What is Neighbourhood Watch?

A Neighbourhood Watch Scheme is a partnership between communities and the police. It is a partnership to prevent or reduce the opportunities for crime and increase the likelihood of catching criminals.

Schemes are likely to be organised and do things differently from area to area. The police recognise this and so hold regular meetings of Watch Scheme Co-ordinators to share information.

Neighbourhood Watch is the largest voluntary crime prevention group in the country with over 10 million members. Neighbourhood Watch started in the UK in 1982 in Mollington in Cheshire where residents found that since the start of the scheme the level of crime substantially reduced.

What Do Neighbourhood Watch Schemes Do?

They are a deterrent, help to reduce crime and make communities safer places to live. In addition they tackle local crime problems.

What Do I Get out of being in a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme?

The chance to help tackle local issues which concern you. Help improve the community in which you live and the quality of life for all its residents. You also have the opportunity to attend training sessions organised by Cambridgeshire County Neighbourhood Watch Executive Group run in conjunction with Cambridgeshire Constabulary.

How Do I become Aware of Incidents?

If you have chosen to act as a scheme co-ordinator, your neighbourhood policing team will ensure you are made aware of urgent incidents by a voice mail communication or an e-mail. The preference on how you receive them is yours. You may also receive newsletters informing you of crime trends in your area. If you are a member of a scheme, your co-ordinator should pass information to you.

Have Neighbourhood Watch Schemes ever helped reduce crime?

Yes, it is a proven fact that in areas where Neighbourhood Watch Schemes are active, crime rates are lower; particularly vehicle crimes, house burglaries and garden shed thefts.

How Can I become involved?

Your neighbourhood policing team will give you details on how to join an existing scheme or set up a new one if there isn't one in your area.

To speak with your local team, telephone 0345 456 456 4, the switchboard will ask you where you live and put you through to someone who can help.

For details on how to set up a Neighbourhood Watch scheme in your area please see our guidance notes and registration form.

I would like some information on Neighbourhood Watch street signs

Guidelines for the placing of Neighbourhood Watch street signs.

What is the Neighbourhood Watch Executive Group?

Cambridgeshire Neighbourhood Watch Executive Group "The County Group"

The County Group in partnership with the police is responsible for shaping the policy for Neighbourhood Watch across the county of Cambridgeshire.

The Group was formed in 1998 with the prime objectives of:-

• Promoting, in partnership with the police, Neighbourhood Watch for the benefit of the community therefore helping to protect people and their property.


• Supporting Neighbourhood Watch scheme members.


• Promoting good citizenship and encouraging neighbourliness and closer communities.


• Enhancing the image of Neighbourhood Watch.


• Providing advice, training, information and practical assistance for members, to enable them to promote their schemes and develop good practice.


• Providing a structure to assist local communities to reduce crime and the fear of crime, thereby improving the quality of life.

The Group consists of Neighbourhood Watch elected representatives from each of the three police divisions, the County representative of the National Neighbourhood Watch Association, a senior police officer, community safety officer, respresentation from neighbourhood policing teams, including Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs). The position of Secretary/ Treasurer is held by an additional member.

The group meets quarterly at Constabulary Headquarters, Hinchingbrooke Park, Huntingdon.

Elections for the positions held by Neighbourhood Watch members are held each year at the Annual General Meeting in September.

CNWEG. Registered Charity No 1093458