Sally-Ann Judd has organised the Neighbourhood Watch Scheme within Rettendon and Battlesbridge, it has been successfully running since September 2012 and exceeds over 250 members.
Sally-Ann is supported by Terry Fowles from Essex Police; Terry is the Essex Watch Liaison Officer for the Chelmsford District and supports this scheme.
I am a member of the Chelmsford District Neighbourhood Watch and also on the committee for Essex County Neighbourhood Watch.
What is Neighbourhood Watch?
Neighbourhood Watch is a voluntary organisation that is about bringing local people together to create friendlier and safer communities where crime and anti-social behaviour are less likely to happen.
Neighbourhood Watch is a partnership with Essex Police, Community Safety Partnership and other voluntary organisations like Crimestoppers but most importantly, you, the residents who live in the roads, streets and avenues across Essex who want to make their neighbourhoods nicer places to live for themselves and their families.
Furthermore, we want to make sure, no one feels afraid, vulnerable or isolated in the place where they live.
It is about people looking out for each other, crossing barriers of age, race and class to create real communities that benefit everyone.
The aims of Neighbourhood Watch:
- To reduce crime and the opportunities for crime
- To pass on good ideas, hints and tips for crime prevention into the community
- To provide help and reassurance thereby reducing the fear of crime
- To encourage neighbours to watch out for each other
- To promote closer relations with Essex Police
- To improve the community spirit in the neighbourhood
You may think this a tall order, well it is, but many residents, all over Essex feel it is worthwhile, and the more residents involved, the more effective Neighbourhood Watch is.
How does it work?
It works, at its most basic level, by Essex Police sending crime reports as well as advice about keeping you and your home safe and secure.
These reports are distributed to the local co-ordinator who then relays this information to all their members.
The co-ordinator may well add local information as well.
You decide how you organise and run your ‘watch’, it may be it is just one person or a small committee of residents.
The Watch can start with a few members and can grow in time.
There is no cost to be a member unless the ‘watch’ locally decide to impose a small charge specifically to fund community events.