Scheme champions Neighbourhood Watch A scheme championing the role of Neighbourhood Watch in local communities is being launched in east Durham today. The aim of the Safer Homes Scheme is to empower Neighbourhood Watch (NW) coordinators to help people improve their home security. Vetted in the same way as other volunteers serving the force, coordinators have been trained to provide crime prevention advice to people in their neighbourhoods who are members of a NW scheme. Equipped with basic alarms, security marking and other crime prevention devices the volunteer coordinators can also provide householders with “holiday kits” containing a range of crime prevention equipment. The volunteers can also refer a householder to the County Durham Handy Person Scheme if a professional is needed to fit items such as key safes, security lights, or door and window locks. Sergeant Tracey Whelan, of the force’s community safety branch, said: “People who are going away on holiday, or need to be away from home for any reason, can borrow one of the kits to boost their home security while they are away.” Sgt Whelan explained that the Safer Homes Scheme is being delivered by Durham Constabulary and Durham County Council as part of the Safe Durham Partnership strategy to modernise Neighbourhood Watch. East Durham - encompassing Peterlee, Seaham and Durham - has been chosen as one of two areas to trial the initiative, the other being Bishop Auckland. She added: “Only people who are members of Neighbourhood Watch can benefit from this initiative and we hope it will encourage people to join a scheme in their area or set up a new one if one doesn’t already exist. East Durham has good NW coverage but we are always keen to increase it helps protect our communities.” If anyone would like to become a safer homes volunteer or get involved in a Neighbourhood Watch scheme they can contact community liaison officer, Sarah Willis on 101, ext 6702617 (Peterlee and Seaham areas) or Tim Thompson on 101, ext 6682814 (Durham City area) Deputy Chief Constable Michael Banks said he is delighted with the progress so far and added: “The Safer Homes Scheme is yet another example of how our Neighbourhood Watch volunteers are delivering activities that people in our communities really value. We want people to be safe and feel safe.” Ushaw Moor Action Group has been officially recognised as the best NW scheme in England and Wales after volunteer John Booth received the Outstanding Achievement Award at a ceremony at the House of Commons. And there was cause for further celebration in the Durham force area with Jim Allen, chair of Darlington NW, accepting the runners-up award for best Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator.
Posted on: Wed, 31 Jul 2013 08:53:47 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015