Northern Ireland Office

Neighbourhood Watch Schemes are helping 12,000 households across Northern Ireland to tackle crime, fear of crime and anti-social behaviour within their communities, Criminal Justice Minister David Hanson MP has said.  

The Minister was speaking in as Ballyrussell became the 100th Scheme to be accredited since Neighbourhood Watch was launched in June 2004. David Hanson was joined by Assistant Chief Constable Judith Gillespie and Professor Sir Desmond Rea, Chair of the Northern Ireland Policing Board.

David Hanson said: “More than 12,000 households are directly involved in Neighbourhood Watch throughout Northern Ireland which is a testament to the success of the schemes in enabling local communities to positively influence community safety within their areas.

“The exchange of information to and from the PSNI keeps local communities informed about crime in their areas and what they can do to reduce it. This flow of information is vital for tackling both crime and the fear of crime.”

Speaking about the recent attacks on elderly people the Minister said: “We have all been horrified by the recent attacks on older people. Whilst older people are statistically the least likely to be victims of violent crimes, such attacks inevitably increase the fear amongst the elderly.  

“Neighbourhood Watch Schemes can provide reassurance and act as an effective deterrent to potential burglars. I would encourage more people to set-up a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme for the benefit of everyone in their community.”

Policing Board Chairman, Professor Sir Desmond Rea, said: “The Policing Board and District Policing Partnerships (DPPs) recognise the important role of Neighbourhood Watch Schemes and fully endorse their development and implementation.

“DPPs, in particular, have supported the establishment of these schemes in towns and villages across Northern Ireland. By working closely with those involved in Neighbourhood Watch, DPPs have been able to identify local residents’ policing concerns and work in partnership with the police to ensure that these concerns are addressed.

“On behalf of the Board, I am very pleased to attend the launch of the 100th scheme. I am sure the Neighbourhood Watch approach will continue to develop in the future, helping to make our communities safer.”

ACC Gillespie said: "Neighbourhood Watch is policing with the community at its most fundamental level and has proved to be very successful. Neighbourhood Watch encourages community cohesion and promotes constructive dialogue with the police about local issues of concern. I am delighted that one hundred groups have seen the benefits of working with police to make communities safer and the Police Service looks forward to the scheme building on these encouraging foundations."

Notes to Editors

• Neighbourhood Watch is a community led initiative with the aim of
• Preventing and reducing crime through improved home security
• Providing reassurance to people within communities to reduce the fear of crime
• Encouraging local people to be alert and watchful in looking after themselves and others
• Fostering community spirit

• Neighbourhood Watch is jointly promoted and funded by the Community Safety Unit of the Northern Ireland Office, the Northern Ireland Policing Board and the PSNI.