Street Watch has been kept really simple, it is about going for a walk with your neighbours, getting to know people in the area and building up a sense of community spirit.
We ask for a minimum of 2 hours a month but you can do as much as you like.
The whole point of StreetWatch is about being that visible presence to DETER crime and anti-social behaviour, NOT deal with it ourselves, (if it needs to be dealt with, we log it with the Police).
The Objectives are;
- Helping to keep your community safe
- Make new friends and meet new people
- Get fit
- Walk along your local streets in groups, provide community reassurance and engagement on local issues that matter most
- Whilst you will not have any police powers, you will be work directly with the local policing team to report any issues or concerns you come across
- Improve where you live, make a difference and improve community engagement
Interested?
- Members of Street Watch must be 18 years or older
- Training induction is provided; all members are vetted and trained;
The training is very simple – it just involves making sure that people are aware of what we are asking of them, this takes approx. 1 hour.
We go with you on you first walk to check you are confident and know what you are doing.
Volunteers patrol in pairs (or more) – for safety, and pre-register with the police prior to each patrol.
- You are given a high visibility vest ‘Street Watch’ labelled on it- so that people know you are part of the organised group.
- If volunteers spot suspicious activity, they should report it to the police but not get involved.
- Groups are managed by a volunteer co-ordinator who keeps a volunteer list and provides advice, guidance and support in consultation with the local police.
Volunteer for Street Watch:
If you would like to register your interest to participate in Street Watch, please email Juliet.Wright@beds.police.uk