The history of Neighbourhood Watch in Avon and Somerset Constabulary

Neighbourhood Watch started in this country in Mollington, Cheshire in 1982. Since then it has grown to be the largest voluntary group in the country. Each watch group consists of a number of households who work together to improve their area, combat crime and look after each other.

Our commitment to Neighbourhood Watch

As a force, Avon and Somerset have been committed to Neighbourhood Watch since it was first introduced into the UK in the early 1980's. We recognise that Neighbourhood Watch schemes play a vital role in preventing crime and improving a community.

• We have the second oldest scheme in the country.
• We work closely with residents and local organisations to support and increase membership across the force area.
• We have Ringmaster, a dedicated Watch messaging system, operated by nine dedicated local Neighbourhood Watch Administrators as well as an HQ-based Development Officer.
• In Avon and Somerset there are over 20 different sorts of watch including Pub Watch, Church Watch and Business Watch.

Nationally there are approximately 155,000 schemes covering up to six million households. In Avon and Somerset there are about 5,000 Neighbourhood Watch schemes which cover some thirty percent of households in the Force area.