Happy Sunday we hope you have had a good weekend.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed it’s the only thing that ever has”
Margaret Mead
Physical security measures are an important part of crime prevention, however when we get the human stuff right our reliance on them is much reduced. Connected communities are safer, healthier, happier and suffer less crime.
The simple act of knowing each other, communicating effectively and offering mutual support reduces crime.
As a cop at The Scottish Violence Reduction Unit, I was fortunate enough to be part of something called an Assets Based Approach to community development. This brought all sections of the community together (residents, service providers, anyone who had something to offer) and whilst recognising our many challenges, focused on our “Assets” (people, facilities, skills, interests etc.) rather our deficits.
So what was the outcome? Together, we reduced the crime rate by 40%, and calls to Police by 60%. How did that happen? Simple really, people built relationships, we utilised our “Assets”, we believed that everyone had something to offer, and that we had much more connecting than dividing us (albeit we had some ding dongs at times!!) and just got stuff done.
Find out more about an Asset based approach here
Home – C2 (c2connectingcommunities.co.uk)
We had another seven applications for new watches last week, there are now over 650 across Scotland, helping create connected communities.
PS If you get a second please follow us on our Neighbourhood Watch Scotland Facebook page.
Have a great week
Keith
