Safety in your community

How does it work?
Street Watch members are ordinary citizens with no police powers. If they spot anything suspicious, all they are asked to do is report it to the police. They can also give active support to vulnerable people by offering transport or escort on foot.

Groups are managed by a co-ordinator who keeps a list of volunteers and provides advice, guidance and support - in consultation with the local police. Street Watch can help reduce crime because members actively use their local knowledge when out and about in their neighbourhood.

Street Watch guidelines
A set of guidelines for Street Watch activity has been agreed with the police - you can get a copy from your local police station. The guidelines include a basic set of Do's and Don'ts, which warn against intervening in an incident.

Other 'Watch' schemes
Watches need not be confined to residential neighbourhoods. For instance, Business Watches can be very effective in the high streets and industrial estates. Farm Watches can encourage farmers to keep an eye on one another's livestock and machinery. Boat Watches can greatly improve the security of marinas and harbours.