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What is a NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH CO-ORDINATOR ?

DEFINITION AND DUTIES OF A NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH CO-ORDINATOR

DEFINITION

A member of a Neighbourhood Watch scheme that has volunteered to co-ordinate a group of approximately 10 homes but not exceeding 30.

DUTIES OR TASKS

To receive information from the Ringmaster system and to organise a system which enables that message to be passed on to each household in their group.
To distribute (or organise the distribution of) written newsletters or other literature when appropriate and as soon as possible after receipt.
Arranging and drafting a list of the house numbers for which he/she will be responsible, and making sure every occupant is aware that he/she is the co-ordinator. (This would be better sorted out at a collective meeting of all the co-ordinators.) It would help if the list of house numbers could also include names, address, telephone number, make, type, colour and registration number of vehicles and business telephone numbers. Such lists should be updated periodically.
To encourage members of the group to take details of suspicious incidents and forward the information to the police.
To distribute to the members of the group any information received from the police or other source.
It is advisable that all the co-ordinators of a group hold a meeting from time to time to maintain the effectiveness of the group and sort out any problems which may have arisen.
Residents going away on holiday or leaving their home empty for any other reason should be encouraged to inform their co-ordinator of the dates the premises will be empty and if possible leave an address where they can be contacted in the event of an emergency. The name, address and telephone number of the key holder should be available, particularly if the premises are alarmed. It would also be a help for co-ordinators to keep a list of the names and/or addresses and vehicle details of any person who may be visiting the premises in their absence. Arrangements should be made for such premises to be visited by neighbours from time to time during the occupant's absence.
It is the responsibility of co-ordinators to maintain the efficiency of their group by encouraging individual members to keep to the principles of Neighbourhood Watch.

DEFINITION AND DUTIES OF A NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH MEMBER

DEFINITION

A member of a Neighbourhood Watch scheme is someone who has volunteered to look after the interests of other members in their scheme with regard to the security of the area and general support to make the area a better and safer place to live through mutual co-operation.

DUTIES OR TASKS

Participation is simple. All householders have to do is follow the guidelines below:

Take steps to improve your household security, while at home or absent.
Receive information, newsletters or other literature from the co-ordinator or your neighbour and pass this on as required and as soon as possible after receipt.
Exchange names and phone numbers with your neighbours. Remember to respect the confidentiality of members’ details ( ex-directory numbers, etc.).
Inform your neighbours when going away on holiday.
Look after neighbours’ property when they are away, even for short periods, to help make homes look ‘lived in’.
Help the police prevent and detect crime by being observant and reporting suspicious activity.
Mark all property, if possible, with your postcode and house number, or house name. Photograph items if necessary.
Keep an eye on public facilities such as telephones, park equipment, bus shelters etc. and report any vandalism.
Attend meetings / social gatherings as and when necessary.
Liaise with the co-ordinator on all matters of concern.
Assist the co-ordinator as required, in particular with meetings.
Relay information about crimes committed against members of adjoining schemes.

It’s that simple to get involved, remember it is your community too.