The police, through the Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane, have encouraged Warrington residents to set up neighbourhood watch schemes. While most residents have not yet warmed up to the idea of joining neighbourhood watch schemes, arguing that the police themselves should craft measures to be present in all areas at all times to curb crime, a change of heart must occur soon as further delays to the creation of neighbourhood watch schemes will only work to the detriment of the society itself.
In light of the above, we have decided to pen this article which shares with all residents some of the benefits of setting up and joining neighbourhood watch schemes. We hope this will work as a motivating factor to change the minds of many.
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Prevent Crime
Well, the main reason neighbourhood watch schemes have been created worldwide is that they play a key role in preventing crime. Though it’s obvious, we must reiterate the notion that neighbourhood watch schemes are crucial for crime prevention. Warrington, just like any other place, has its fair share of crime; hence, to reduce such occurrences, every resident must play his or her part. To ensure that the scheme achieves its objectives, residents should be eager to play a role in crime prevention, they should collaborate with local law enforcement agents, they ought to hold regular meetings with other residents in coming up with program strategies, and they have to publicize the scheme. Neighbourhood watch schemes can prevent crime in one of two ways. First, those who are part of the watch can arrest anyone caught breaking the law and second, by publicizing the scheme, they deter would-be criminals from operationalizing their bad deeds.
Creation of a Connected Community
A direct result of creating a neighbourhood watch scheme is that it fosters unity in a community. When residents are united and connected, they can achieve more not only in crime prevention but also in other facets of life. Talk about creating a community sports team, when all residents are united, this will be easy to start. On this front, to ensure that unity is fostered when coming up with programs, residents must consider each other’s schedules so that everyone can participate in the neighbourhood watch scheme at a time that suits them.
A Forum to Discuss Other Important Community Issues
Once a community has become connected owing to the creation of a neighbourhood watch scheme, it will be able to start operating as a forum for discussing other pertinent community issues. During a patrol or a meeting, residents can discuss issues like vehicle safety concerns, transportation issues for their school-going children, and animal control issues. Also, residents can take the opportunity to discuss things such as neighbourhood beautification projects.