Promoting local watch schemes

Around 40 people attended the event including NHW Co-ordinators and local PSNI. With informative talks and interactive sessions all those who took part felt it to be a very helpful and educational evening.

Guests received a presentation from PSNI Area Commander, Chief Inspector Anthony McNally on crime trends and how the statistics translate to actual crimes compared to residents’ perceptions. They then had the opportunity to meet with The Neighbourhood Watch Task Group and local Police Officers to discuss the needs of their local area.

The event also provided a forum for Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinators to discuss common issues, share good practice and generate ideas.

Sergeant Wendy Walker facilitated a scenario for ‘A Day in the Life of a Police Officer’ where NHW Co-ordinators were given a briefing from their Sergeant on what was required of them for the day. As well as being given duties by the Sergeant, other issues also came through on their police radios which they had to deal with. It was up to the NHW Co-ordinators to prioritise their workload in order to get everything completed within their shift.

Councillor Robert Smith, Chair of Craigavon Community Safety Partnership (CCSP) and Craigavon District Policing Partnership (DPP) commented: “Neighbourhood Watch schemes help bring communities together to tackle crime related problems and this event was an excellent opportunity for NHW Co-ordinators to share best practice and learn more about crime prevention and the challenges Officers face in their local area.”

To date there are 30 accredited NHW Schemes throughout Craigavon Borough.

This event was organised by the Neighbourhood Watch Task Group which consists of representatives from the CCSP, Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), and DPP.

For more information on Neighbourhood Watch, please contact Lynette Burke, Crime Reductions Initiatives Project Co-ordinator on 3831 2529.