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Neighbourhood Watch
It has been proposed that Bolnhurst & Keysoe Neighbourhood Watch setup a service whereby people who are on the net can be warned easily, quickly and at no cost of suspicious activity in the area so they can keep an eye open.
Conversely they can tip off a central contact if they see anything
suspicious, who can then spread the word and, if appropriate, inform the Police.
You may have noticed the Neighbourhood Watch stand at the recent Village Show at Keysoe and wondered why it was there or what it had to offer. Incase you didn't get the chance to speak to Jenny on the stand, we thought you might like to know some more and of a facility to alert local residents of 'things to look out for' by email.
Jenny's Stand at the Village Show
If you would like to be added to the list to receive updates on suspicious activity to be aware of please drop an email to our Area Coordinator, Jenny Johnson -
If you wish to speak to any of our local Neighbourhood Watch scheme coordinators please contact:
Coordinator for
Contact
Phone
Email
Address
Keysoe Row West
Jenny Johnson
(01234) 708661
Walnut Cottage Keysoe Row West
Keysoe Row East
Alan Woodward
(01234) 376526
Isis Cottage Keysoe Row East
Mill Hill
Edna Burton
(01234) 708429
New House Mill Hill
Brook End
Pam Ward
(01234) 708231
Brook End Farm Riseley Road
Bolnhurst
Martin Hall
(01234) 376351
1 Kimbolton Road
Some Background to Neighbourhood Watch
Neighbourhood Watch first began in America in 1967 as a community-based initiative to combat crime and disorder in some neighbourhoods.
The first UK scheme started in Cheshire in 1982, with Bedford quite close behind as the third scheme in the country. Very quickly other towns, villages and communities, as well as the police and the Home Office, recognised the benefits of similar schemes, not only in reducing crime but also as a means of developing and sustaining community spirit. By 2005, Neighbourhood Watch is quoted as being the largest voluntary organisation in the Country, and now covers over 28,000 homes in North Bedfordshire.
Bedford and District originally called their scheme Home Watch, but in 2005 made the decision to become Neighbourhood Watch to maximise support from Government literature plus to stay in line with Neighbourhood Policing.
As Home Watch, or Neighbourhood Watch, the underlying ethos is to provide support for the vulnerable members in society and in particular improving quality of life for all by reducing crime and the fear or crime.
Each scheme is different – in the way it is run, the area it serves and the people who form it – but all share that common aim of improving and sustaining quality of life in their community.
As Neighbourhood Watch has developed and grown, local and national associations have come into existence. The National Neighbourhood Watch Association is actively supported by the Home Office. It provides a national voice for Neighbourhood Watch.
Neighbourhood Watch Helps to:
Reduce the opportunities for crime to occur
Reduce the fear of crime
Create a community spirit
Promote community safety
Improve the quality of life
What does Neighbourhood Watch do?
Neighbourhood Watch is one of the most effective crime reduction initiatives ever. It’s all about neighbourhoods getting together and actively having a positive impact on crime in their area. Each area has a scheme. Each Street is covered by a Street Co-ordinator, and each area is covered by an Area Co-ordinator. Neighbourhood Watch schemes are community run initiatives which are supported by the Police, but not run by them.
Neighbourhood Watch signs are displayed in windows and in the street. These act as a deterrent to a would-be criminal, alerting them to the fact that property is security marked and residents are not afraid to report anything suspicious.
It has been proposed that Bolnhurst & Keysoe Neighbourhood Watch setup a service whereby people who are on the net can be warned easily, quickly and at no cost of suspicious activity in the area so they can keep an eye open.
Conversely they can tip off a central contact if they see anything
suspicious, who can then spread the word and, if appropriate, inform the Police.