Enthusiastic neighbours get together in Stoughton

A surge of enthusiastic neighbours, residents, and friends have joined together to start a new Neighbourhood Watch Scheme in Bryanstone Avenue, Stoughton.

Guildford Borough Community Safety Warden for North Guildford, Brian Cuff, PCSO Sheila Willis, PC Steve Cake, Crime Reduction Advisor and Maureen Bell, Scheme co-ordinator worked together to get the scheme up and running.

Steve Cake, Crime Reduction Advisor, said: “We would welcome anyone’s interest in setting up a scheme and to contact their local neighbourhood police officers by phoning 0845 1252222 or online via surrey police website at www.surreypolice.org.uk”

Thousands of residents in the borough are already enjoying the benefits of being part of one of the 420 schemes or so in Guildford.

Brian Cuff, Community Safety Warden for Stoughton, said: “It was so encouraging to see 45 local members come together at a recent meeting to share positive ideas of enhancing their local area. People might also like to know that being part of a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme not only creates a wonderful community spirit but can also have lots of practical benefits too.”

Some of the benefits include:

• discounted contents insurance from some insurance companies
• looking out for your neighbours, and knowing they are looking out for you
• knowing you are living in a community that cares
• fewer burglaries
• contact with Surrey Police and regular updates from the Crime Reduction Officer
• ability to pick up on anything happening in the neighbourhood that could cause worry or concern by acting together
• reduction in all sorts of local crimes
• ability to take action against things like vandalism, graffiti, poor lighting and a lack of local amenities
• a real feeling of security
• support from the Guildford Neighbourhood Watch Support Group and the National Neighbourhood Watch Association

Maureen Bell, Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator said: “It is great news that the scheme is now up and running and we were so happy with the local response. It really does add to the community spirit of the area not to mention all the other benefits.”

Some feedback from current Neighbourhood Watch members includes comments such as:

“Often we keep an eye on our neighbour’s property when they are away, and they do the same for us.”

“Being part of a proper scheme means that this can be extended across your whole street or community.”

“It’s reassuring knowing that your neighbourhood is looking out for you, especially when you go on holiday.”

“The schemes are a great way of meeting people in your street, building community relations, and working with the police to reduce crime, concerns about crime and improve the quality of life in your area. Most crime is opportunist, committed on the spur of the moment, or when a car or house is left unlocked. This means there is enormous scope for reducing the chances for criminals.”

Each scheme is supported by the police, but is run by the local community. Anyone can join a scheme and play a part in its achievements. They are easy to set up, take little time or money to run and can be tailor made to your community requirements (ie, it can be made up of just a few houses in a street, the residents in a square, or a whole estate) and you don't even have to use the title 'Neighbourhood Watch'.

If you would like to find out more about setting one up or getting in touch with an existing scheme contact your local Community Safety Warden by calling 01483 444502.