Neighbourhood Watch is a community led initiative to bring local people together to address crime and other community safety issues. Neighbourhood Watch groups often liaise with the local police, the local authority and other agencies.
The concept originated in the United States and was introduced into the UK in the 1980s. Behind it lies a very simple idea; Working together can help to improve your community.
Neighbourhood Watches can be large, covering most of the households on an estate, or they might involve just a few houses. They may meet frequently, or keep in touch via e-mail or social media. There really is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to Neighbourhood Watch. Neighbourhood Watch adapts to fit the community it serves.
“Your Watch, Your Way”
What are the benefits of Neighbourhood Watch?
- Areas of local concern can be addressed.
- Your problem becomes a shared problem.
- People work together to make communities safer.
- You can work together with other Watches, the police and other partners.
- Opportunity to know your neighbours, local police officers and other service providers.
- Being a member of NW may secure a discount on your house insurance.
- Download our leaflet on the benefits of Neighbourhood Watch and how to get involved.
Our Vision:
Our vision is a society that is empowered through proactive local cooperation and community spirit to create safe, strong and resilient neighbourhoods, to the benefit of all.
Our mission:
To achieve this our primary focus will be to support and enable individuals to become connected and actively engaged, with the intention to lessen crime and improve quality of life.
The concept of Neighbourhood Watch came to the UK from the USA. While records are a little murky, we know that Neighbourhood Watches have existed in Scotland from the very early 1980s.
In May 2006, the Association of Scottish Neighbourhood Watches was established as the first independent body in Scotland with a national perspective on Neighbourhood Watch. In 2008, the Association received funding from the Scottish Government. This funding allowed the Association to employ its first member of staff in September of that year.
Throughout 2009 and 2010, the Association worked with Police Forces and other agencies to establish a single database of Neighbourhood Watches in Scotland. The Association took control of the administration of this database, including the registration of new watches. This meant an equal service for all Neighbourhood Watches in Scotland.
In December 2011, The Association of Scottish Neighbourhood Watches became a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation, known as Neighbourhood Watch Scotland SCIO. With the change of status and name came a change of logo, designed to better reflect Neighbourhood Watch Scotland as a modern, relevant organisation.
Neighbourhood Watch Scotland is a registered charity and is fully supported by a board of volunteer trustees. The organisation from Newbridge and comprises of 7 members of staff, including our Director.
Currently there are over 670 registered schemes in Scotland, covering over 58,000 households. This number is growing steadily as new Watches are established.
Our aim is to help people work together to make their communities safer.