Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators praised
by Hammersmith and Fulham Press Office
23/01/2009
The number of neighbourhood watches in the borough has spiralled from six to more than 106 in just three years according to latest figures.
The news has been greeted by Councillor Belinda Donovan – the council’s Assistant Cabinet Member for Crime & Anti-Social Behaviour – who praised the ‘hard work and dedication’ of Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinators.
“We have many keen and active Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinators in Hammersmith & Fulham,” says Cllr Donovan. “They are all hugely committed to their local community and are truly local heroes. With the support of Police Safer Neighbourhood Teams and H&F Council the once limited network has now grown into more than a hundred thanks in no small part to the hard work of local Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinators.”
Figures from the USA prove that staggering falls in crime are possible as the number of watches grows in an area. Metropolitan Police Inspector Bill Heasman says: “For all of the work that the Police, in particular the Safer Neighbourhood Teams, and the council, put into this project, none of it would have substance without our co-ordinators. All of their work is voluntary and they should all be commended for their enthusiasm and commitment in helping us to bring crime and anti-social behaviour down.”
The boost in the number of watches in H&F is a major help in the battle against crime locally and it has never been easier to start or join a group according to Cathy Robertson, Chairman of the Hammersmith & Fulham Neighbourhood Watch Association. She said: “Initiating and running a watch is a great way to get neighbours to connect and get to know each other by focusing on something that is important to everyone on the street. The newly formed borough association is focusing on developing tools that will make starting a watch much easier by capturing the learning that has taken place with our existing co-ordinators.”
Case studies:
» Jan Wright
She may have four children, a job as freelance photographer and posts on local committees, but a dedicated mum did not hesitate to take on another valuable role. Read more...
» Richard Walker
Richard Walker, of Felden Street, Fulham, leads the Felden Street and Swift Street Neighbourhood Watch programme. Read more...
If you would like to become a Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator in your street please contact Inspector Bill Heasman at bill.heasman@met.police.uk or call 020 8246 2742.
For more information click on www.nhw-hammersmithandfulham.org.uk (opens new window).
