A new neighbourhood watch scheme was launched in Watford following a recent drive to promote the benefits of the scheme, which include greater community spirit and helping to reduce crime in the areas it operates.

The Fuller Road group, which has has formed a new watch scheme, had its commitment recognised at a Neighbourhood Watch re-launch event attended by officers from the North Watford Safer Neighbourhood Team, Police and Crime Commissioner David Lloyd, Chief Inspector for Watford Dave Wheatley, Mayor Dorothy Thornhill, MP Richard Harrington and local councillor Asif Khan.

Pat, who lives in Fuller Road, said: "I was keen to get involved in my local community in some way and when officers came round to my house as part of the Safer Streets event and told me about Neighbourhood Watch, I said I’d love to be a street co-ordinator. I was really up for it as we’d had a couple of burglaries. I cover 16 houses in my block and people are glad to be aware of what crime has happened and it’s nice to know we’re looking out for each other. "

Chief Inspector for Watford, Dave Wheatley said: "I recognise just how valuable Neighbourhood Watch is in forging stronger, safer communities and commend the dedication of members. As police we see the real benefits that the scheme has in reducing crime and ensuring the most vulnerable in the community are looked out for, which is why my Safer Neighbourhood Teams have been working to encourage more people to sign up."

More than 400 people signed up to neighbourhood watch scheme during a ‘Safer Streets’ event in Vicarage ward last month. The scheme, which is held monthly, involves officers, volunteers and partner agencies knocking on doors in a chosen ward to speak to residents about crime prevention, issues that may be causing them problems and encouraging them to sign up to Neighbourhood Watch.

Temporary Neighbourhood Watch District Co-ordinator for Watford, Sue Thompson said: "Neighbourhood Watch's aims are simple - we strive to build stronger communities, to help reduce crime and to protect residents and their property from criminal activity. We would really like to hear from additional volunteers, who would like to get involved in their communities."

In Watford 16 per cent of residents are signed up to the scheme, equating to 5,729 people.
For more information email WatfordWLO@herts.pnn.police.uk with your name, address and telephone number.