Neighbourhood Watch (NHW)

What is Neighbourhood Watch?

Neighbourhood Watch is not just about reducing crime - it’s about building community spirit and good relations. The idea is to improve community safety and reduce or prevent crime and anti-social behaviour by developing close liaison between households and the local Police. It is a popular way for people of all ages to get involved in making their area safe.

There are also other benefits from joining a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme as you can learn more about crime prevention and home security which will help you to keep your belongings safe and you may also qualify for a discount on your house insurance.

The aims of NHW schemes are:

• To reduce the opportunities for crime and anti-social behaviour to occur in your neighbourhood by deterring would- be burglars and vandals
• To build a community spirit so that all residents can contribute towards the protection of their homes through co-operation and communication

Interested in becoming a Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator?

The Neighbourhood Watch Team is currently looking to recruit keen volunteers to become Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinators in all areas across the District.

If you would like to consider joining or setting up a scheme in your road please email nhwrayleigh@essex.pnn.police.uk or contact Richard Bills, Chairman of Rochford District NHW on 01268 770519 or write to Neighbourhood Watch Office, Rayleigh Police Station, 119 High Street, Rayleigh SS6 7QB. 

What is Essex Watch?

Essex Police launched Essex Watch and recruited a part-time Essex Watch administrator, Clive Mayhew who is based at Rochford Police Station.

Essex Watch is designed to provide a more co-ordinated approach to various watches in Essex and works closely with District Commanders, Crime Reduction Officers, Neighbourhood Policing Teams and Neighbourhood Watch.

Clive's role for the Rochford District is to pass information, share ideas and intelligence from various groups across the District back to Essex Police and vice-versa. Locally Clive has been involved with the Neighbourhood Specialist Officers (NSO) and Police Community Support Officers (PCSO's) in setting up Retail Watch in Rayleigh and Rochford, Pub Watch in Rayleigh and is in the process of setting up Farm Watch.

Cycle tagging events are now taking place across the District and Clive is working with Neighbourhood Watch to relaunch the NHW scheme and encourage members to become NHW Co-ordinators.

There are other watches set up across the Rochford District and they include Horse Watch, Marine Watch and Allotment Watch.

If you are interested in joining the scheme or would like to know about other watches which could be set up or would like to be involved in setting up a watch then please contact:

Clive Mayhew, Essex Watch Administrator for the Rochford District. Telephone 01702 423512 or email clive.mayhew@essex.pnn.police.uk