There are several reasons why someone may want to join Neighbourhood Watch

• Crime prevention: Neighbourhood Watch is a community-led initiative that aims to prevent crime and anti-social behaviour in the local area. By joining, you can play an active role in making your neighbourhood a safer place to live.

• Increased community spirit: Joining a Neighbourhood Watch scheme can help foster a sense of community and belonging in your neighbourhood. It can also provide an opportunity to meet and connect with your neighbours.

• Access to information: Members of Neighbourhood Watch often receive regular updates from the police and local authorities about crime trends and safety concerns in the area. This information can help you stay informed and take appropriate precautions.

• Reduced insurance premiums: Some insurance companies offer reduced premiums to homeowners who are members of a Neighbourhood Watch scheme. This is because the scheme is seen as a positive indicator of the security and safety of the area.

• Support from the police: By joining a Neighbourhood Watch scheme, you may be able to work in partnership with the police to help reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in your neighbourhood. The police may also be more likely to respond quickly to reports of suspicious activity if they know that there is an active Neighbourhood Watch scheme in the area.

How to join a Neighbourhood Watch

• Register as a member: To officially join the Neighbourhood Watch scheme, you will need to register as a member. Click on the Join Us link at the top of this page.

• Check if there is already a Neighbourhood Watch scheme in your area: You can use the Find a Local Scheme link at the top of this page. to find out if there is already a scheme in place.

• If there is no scheme in your area, consider starting one: You can find information on how to start a Neighbourhood Watch scheme here. You will need to recruit other interested individuals in your community, choose a coordinator, and register your scheme with the national Neighbourhood Watch network.

• Contact your local coordinator: If there is already a Neighbourhood Watch scheme in your area, you can contact the local coordinator to express your interest in joining. You can find more about your local schemes using the Find a Local Scheme link at the top of this page.

• Attend a meeting: Once you have contacted the local coordinator, they may invite you to attend a meeting or event to learn more about the scheme and meet other members of the community. This can also be a good opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the scheme.

Overall, joining a Neighbourhood Watch scheme is a great way to help make your community safer and more connected.