Next-generation Neighbourhood Watch is already here

1st October 2021

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The charity responds to Labour Party’s pledge for ‘new’ approach to neighbourhood safety

It has been almost 40 years since the first Neighbourhood Watch was set up in the UK. Back then, it was cups of tea in neighbours’ houses and meetings in village halls.

Today those original members and traditional ways of engaging with neighbours remain a vital part of Neighbourhood Watch – but a whole new generation has come on board, bringing with them more agile and varied ways of connecting communities and preventing crime.

There was a surge in households joining Neighbourhood Watch during the pandemic. Research from Go Compare shows that the most significant increase in those joining Neighbourhood Watch schemes were from younger age groups. It found a 14 per cent rise in those aged 25 to 34 and a 10 per cent increase in homeowners aged 35 to 44 signing up in 2020.

As a grassroots charity, connecting with neighbours face-to-face will always be the heart and soul of how the charity operates. But now, the charity is taking full advantage of digital ways to connect volunteers and communities. Neighbourhood Watch volunteers can connect with others across the country to share inspiration and ideas through a new digital online Neighbourhood Watch Knowledge Hub. Last year the charity delivered over 1,200 hours of virtual online training on crime prevention, diversity and inclusion, communication skills and more to their volunteers. This year, new volunteers can opt-in to receive even more training online to enhance their knowledge and skills.