DPP secures £1.5k extra to promote neighbourhood watch

The allocation, from the Department of Justice, will be utilised to continue production of the successful quarterly Neighbourhood Watch Newsletter but more importantly to promote the concept of Neighbourhood Watch to all communities in the Council Area.

Neighbourhood Watch is one of the biggest and most successful crime prevention initiatives ever and is grounded in a partnership between the community, the police and other statutory agencies including the District Policing Partnership and the Council's Community Safety Partnership.

Neighbourhood Watch Schemes are not solely focussed on reducing burglary or break-ins, they are also about fostering and growing communities that care.

Alderman Joe Miller, Chairperson of the District Policing Partnership commented: "This allocation of additional funding is to be welcomed. We already have several successful Neighbourhood Watch Schemes in operation in Foyle and we believe that the time is now right to encourage other neighbourhoods to think about setting up a scheme in their area.

"Neighbourhood Watch is an excellent example of a partnership approach to community safety and reducing the fear of crime.

"Through this funding we hope to raise the profile Neighbourhood Watch and increase interest among our communities in setting up new schemes."

Commenting on the award PSNI Area Commander for Foyle, Chief Inspector Chris Yates added,

"I am delighted to see additional resources being secured for the promotion of Neighbourhood Watch in Foyle.

"Policing is most effective when the police and the community work together to create a safer environment for all.

"The number of schemes operating in the area increased last year and with this funding we hope to further increase uptake this year. "