Posted on 1st Feb
A new voluntary crime prevention initiative enabling local people to take an active role in keeping their communities safe is going from strength to strength.
Now Street Watch, run in partnership with Nottinghamshire Police, wants to hear from even more community-spirited residents who would like to get involved and make a difference in their neighbourhood.
Having previously operated as a pilot programme, Street Watch has officially launched. It aims to enhance local safety and tackle low-level issues affecting neighbourhoods.
Volunteers walk in pairs wearing high-visibility vests and are encouraged to report incidents of suspicious activity, including criminal damage, anti-social behaviour, graffiti, and fly-tipping.
Highlighted issues are passed on directly to neighbourhood teams, who can allocate officers and resources more effectively to tackle local concerns.
Street Watch volunteers, who take part in training and are regularly supported by the force’s neighbourhood teams, are required to offer two hours per month as part of their flexible role.
The scheme is open to anyone aged 18 and over who is interested in improving their community.
Members will be accompanied on their first walk by a neighbourhood officer, and each group is supported by a dedicated PCSO who liaises with volunteers.
The scheme, which has recently reached surpassed 100 volunteers, has more than 20 active groups so far, including in Mansfield, Ashfield, and Newark.
PCSO Megan Tuffley, of the Street Watch team, said: “Volunteers often become aware of neighbourhood issues before they are formally reported, and this initiative helps strengthen communication between residents and the police.
“Street Watch complements the existing high-visibility and plain-clothes patrols conducted by our neighbourhood officers and helps to improve the quality and timeliness of community reporting.”
She added that Street Watch operates independently from established Neighbourhood Watch groups and focuses on enhancing security, vigilance, and awareness of crime prevention.
People interested in volunteering for Street Watch or finding out more information should email [email protected]
