Police issue plea to local public

Neighbourhood Watch is a partnership between local communities, PSNI and Policing and Community Safety Partnerships (PCSPs).

The schemes aim to help people protect themselves and their property and to reduce the fear of crime and there are a number of schemes already up and running in the local area. Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Commander, Superintendent Davy Moore said: “Anyone can belong to a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme and play a part in its achievements.

“A scheme can cover just one street or part or all of an estate and requires a Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator. The coordinator acts as a link between the community and local police and they are the first point of contact for all members of the scheme and receive and distribute information.

“Neighbourhood Watch raises awareness of crime, keeps communities informed and encourages local residents to report activity in their neighbourhood which is suspicious or disruptive.

“We have seen how successful we can be when we work in partnership with the community and I would encourage any member of the public who is interested in working with us to reduce crime in their area to contact us. Anyone who is interested in the role of NHW Coordinator can also contact their local Neighbourhood Policing Team on 101.”

Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon PCSP Chair, Alderman Robert Smith added: “Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinators and the participants in the Neighbourhood Watch schemes play a vital role in keeping their communities safe and by doing this enable the PCSP to contribute to the enhancement of community safety and also help to encourage closer co-operation.”