Public Servant Lifestyle

Neighbourhood Watch now has its highest membership levels ever in England and Wales.

According to the report Neighbourhood Watch: Findings from the British Crime Survey, six million households identify themselves as members of the community crimestopping schemes.

The survey found that 27% of households (up by 4% from 1992) were members of Neighbourhood Watch schemes.

Home Office minister Bob Ainsworth said: "The findings from the British Crime Survey 2000 are one of the most important pieces of research that we have on the work of Neighbourhood Watch. They show that Neighbourhood Watch continues to grow and now covers six million households in England and Wales. This is the widest coverage that the Neighbourhood Watch movement has ever had. The research also shows that 75% of respondents think that Neighbourhood Watch schemes are effective in preventing crimes such as burglary. That is why the Home Office is very happy to endorse the vital community safety work of Neighbourhood Watch."

John Howell, Director General of the National Neighbourhood Watch Association (NNWA), said: "I welcome the findings of the British Crime Survey 2000. These demonstrate how effective and important a role Neighbourhood Watch has to play in making communities safer and attractive places in which to live, to work and to recreate. I am especially pleased that the findings show the ongoing success of Neighbourhood Watch in diverse communities."

PSP Ltd is not responsible for the contents of external websites.

More information available in Your Home, Ideas, Home Security