Dear Resident

Northamptonshire Police has launched an exciting initiative called Street Watch! 

The scheme we would like to launch in your area involves volunteers from the Community undertaking two or more members of the local area undertaking “patrols” to identify issues that may be affecting your area. Other Villages that have undertaken this Scheme have utilised Dog Walkers, or their own specific fitness schedules. The view will be that you can identify issues and link in with your local Police Officer or Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) for a positive and efficient resolution locally identified issues or concerns. There have been a number of positive reports from other locations where the Scheme is in place and we would appreciate your Consideration for implementing this Scheme in your Village. 

If you would like more information or would like to implement this in your Village could I ask that the information images below be shared on Social Media, any local Parish Newsletters / Magazines or other form of Communications. If you would like a PDF of the images below please don’t hesitate to get in touch and the document can be sent over. 

Chief Inspector Dave Wakeman, who is coordinating the relaunch of the Street Watch in Northamptonshire, explained more about the programme. He said:

“Street Watch is based on a very simple idea – it’s about going for a walk with your neighbours, getting to know people in the area, being a visible presence to help deter crime and anti-social behaviour and generally building up a greater sense of community spirit. Each scheme is led by a coordinator – a volunteer who will lead the team and liaise with their neighbourhood officers to get information about things to look out for or areas to focus on, and also to be able to provide feedback from their patrols. We ask for a commitment of at least two hours a month but volunteers can do as much as they like. All we ask is that there are at least two people on each walk for safety and we provide a high visibility jacket with "Street Watch" on it so people know they are part of an organised group.

Volunteers organise their own walks, when and where they want to – and can even walk their dog at the same time! It really is up to the group themselves how much or little they do. Street Watch is for the community, by the community but our neighbourhood teams will be there to provide as much support as possible.”

For further information please either come back to me, alternatively you can email the Citizens In Policing Team via citizensinpolicing@northants.police.uk or via our website: Street Watch | Northamptonshire Police (northants.police.uk)