Neighbourhood Watch (start your own local scheme)

Nikky Corker

Although England is a pretty safe country in comparison to some, it does have higher crime than many other countries (Switzerland’s murder rate is around 45 people per year, compared to 600 in England and Wales).

Lack of funding for our police is one factor, but there are many ways to help our police forces, which don’t involve money.

Create Neighbourhood Watch schemes (this is where groups look out for each other in communities, reporting odd behaviour). The site has good crime prevention advice.

Burglary prevention tips

Most police work is for so-called ‘minor crimes’, although having your house ransacked does not feel like a minor crime. But there are simple steps that can deter burglars:

Place ladders, bins and rubble, out of sight.
Buy quality locks for doors, gates and bikes.
Don’t leave items in view from windows.
Live simply (so you don’t have expensive jewels to steal).
Mark items of value with security marks.
Use a reputable burglar alarm like Verisure
Don’t tell people on social media, if you go away.

Other tips for safer communities

Report crimes (including anonymously) including rural/wildlife crime
Ask the police for help from a Designing Out Crime Officer
Install emergency call points to let people report areas they feel unsafe. Calls can be anonymous (people with hearing or speech impediments can pre-register, to call by text).
Employ Special Constables: These are volunteers who patrol parks, schools and shops, and can step in, before situations escalate.

What neighbourhood watch schemes do

First, share trusted information. That might include official alerts, patterns people have noticed (without guessing who did it), and reminders about reporting routes. Speed matters, because early reporting can stop repeat attempts.
Second, reduce opportunities. Small fixes make a difference, because many crimes are opportunistic. Think good locks, lights that work, bikes secured properly, sheds locked, and car doors checked. These aren’t flashy actions, but they remove the easy wins.
Third, look out for neighbours, especially those who might struggle. That could mean helping someone set up a door chain, offering to collect parcels when they’re away, or checking in after a worrying incident.

You won’t make crime vanish. However, you can make your area feel less “unguarded”, and more connected. That alone can deter low-effort trouble and help people feel confident at home.

How to start a scheme in a weekend

You don’t need a committee, a logo, or a long meeting. You need a clear patch, a few helpers, and one way to communicate (remember that many people don’t use smartphones or What’s App).
Choose an area you can realistically cover. One street is ideal. A small block, a short row of terraces, or a couple of nearby closes also works. If you go too wide, messages become vague and people disengage.
Next, find two or three neighbours to help. Try to balance personalities and skills. One person might be good at organising, another at calm communication, and another at spotting practical fixes.

Then agree one starter goal for the first month. Keep it concrete, for example: