How do I kick-start a scheme?

Despite the hard work of many individuals some Neighbourhood Watch schemes fail.

If you are to revitalise a scheme it needs to be done in a structured way. There may well be good reasons why people lose their commitment to Neighbourhood Watch. They may have family illness, job insecurity or any number of personal reasons. If you can work out the reasons why the scheme failed you can concentrate on putting them right. It may be that there are new people in the area who can help and you should try to involve others to share the task with you. You may once again have to “sell” the scheme to members. You could expand or alter the area of the scheme slightly and change the name. Perhaps changing the design of your newsletter will encourage greater involvement. Think about the strengths of the scheme and the good things that can be achieved, and emphasise those things when relaunching the scheme.

• Timing - although not a happy circumstance, a spate of burglaries in your area could be the opportune time to relaunch a scheme. We often find the most successful schemes are those that are formed to deal with a particular local problem and having begun working together residents go on to provide continued support for each other.
• Social network – other successful schemes are those that are backed up by a good social network with events throughout the year. These could be rubbish clearing sessions, fundraising events or activities for the children and young people in the area as well as social occasions.
• Alternatively you may already have another network already existing in your area, such as a residents' association, church group or allotment club – try to work with them to get the Neighbourhood Watch going.

If you need further advice or ideas then please contact your District Neighbourhood Watch Administrator by calling 101.

How can partnerships help?

Partnerships are one of the best ways of reducing crime and the fear of crime. Partnerships can include a wide range of bodies such as the police, local authorities, other statutory bodies and voluntary groups.

Many partnerships have already been successful in creating safer communities. The partnerships work to agreed common goals. They can provide support and sometimes funds for local initiatives.

One example is for Neighbourhood Watch schemes to get together to form a local association which can benefit from the shared experience of its members. Why not assess if there are any local partnerships you could form?

How can you improve community spirit if there is not enough interest for a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme?

Perhaps you and your neighbours don't feel ready to start up a Neighbourhood Watch scheme or don't feel there is enough interest. Don't give up! Talk to your neighbours and see if you can help each other out; even this can make a difference to an opportunist burglar.

Perhaps at a later stage you'll feel able to set up a scheme!