Page 5 - Tameside neighbourhood watch handbook 2019

COMMUNICATING WITH MEMBERS

As a Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator, it is useful to keep a list of all members contact
details including telephone numbers (home/mobile/work) and email addresses.

As a Coordinator, you may receive information from your local Association, your area

contact or GMP. You should pass this on to your members. Passing on information
makes them feel involved and will also encourage them to pass on information to you.

When you talk to your neighbours, ask their opinion about how you can improve your
area. It may be possible to look at better lighting, or moving rubbish or graffiti which will
also make the area less inviting to criminals.

Set yourself achievable targets. Don’t try to do everything at once. When you have
achieved a goal, set another one and all work towards the end result. You will find that

this helps with motivation and residents become more interested as you make progress.

Social media tools like Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp etc are an excellent way to
communicate with each other. So, even if you don’t physically get together and meet
with scheme members, you can always set up a social media network and use it to
discuss issues and ideas and share information.

SCHEMES WHICH PROSPER AND THRIVE

The following good practice enables Neighbourhood Watch schemes to work well:

• Develop good relationships with the police and other agencies
• Encourage social activity

• Help to improve the local environment
• Have a good community spirit

• Meet and talk regularly
• Follow crime reduction advice
• Care about each other

• Engage with local Schools and Governers

• Promote local Area Litter pick initiative
• Community Speed Watch scheme
• Understand the importance the community taking shared responsibility for
reducing crime in their area

5
Tameside Neighbourhood Watch - A Handbook for Neighbourhood Watch Coordinators and Area Residents