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Curtain Twitching Vigilantes
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Neighbourhood watch has always been around, even before the police service was established, It wasn't called "Neighbourhood Watch" in those days, simply "good neighbours". Neighbours looked out for each other and helped in times of need, little went un-noticed and even the petty criminals declared ?a fair cop? when the bobby felt their collar.
What happened?
Our lives changed, both partners went to work and neighbours rarely met each other. Even the kids next door went to different schools from their neighbour. The butchers, bakers and green grocers where gossip and greetings were exchanged all closed and even the post offices began to dwindle (no change there!).It is easy to blame politics, police and the economy for escalating crime but what are we doing about it? Moreover, what can we do about it?
It is a fair bet that you haven't joined neighbourhood watch because you haven't the time or didn't know we existed?...Or don't want to "get involved";.
Time doesn't come into it; you can be as active or passive as you wish. You can join just to receive email or other messages relating to important issues such as alerts. If you wish to be a little more active, that's excellent, but the important fact is you do not need to do anything...just join. There are no demands on your time. You may wish to do your bit and help bring about changes for the better. You don't have to attend meetings unless you want to, we don't patrol the streets, we don't organise vigilante operations, and we don't peek out of closed curtains.
So what do we do?
We are a group of volunteers with a common interest, we all want London Colney to be a safer place to live and work. We want to reduce crime and rebuild the "neighbourhood"; with your help we can achieve this. Crime reduction isn't just a police issue, being aware of trends and patterns, and taking steps to protect our property makes a massive difference. Just looking out for our neighbours, as they look out for you can force burglars away to easier pickings.
London Colney Neighbourhood Watch is not a "Dads Army" operation; it is run by a dedicated team and affiliated to St.Albans Community Safety Partnership. We are recognised by the Home Office and Hertfordshire Constabulary.
We work closely with the police although we are independent and not controlledby them. Take a look at our website www.colneywatch.co.uk
Going on Holiday?
In the old days we had a system of telling a few people we were away, including the local bobby. We'd even turn off the power, gas and water!
It may not be practical to turn utilities off with electrical appliances being what they are but we need to get into habit of letting essential people know. One of the most important issues is ensuring your letterbox and doorstep doesn't display clues. If the day after you go, a free newspaper is sticking out of your letterbox or a package is left on your doorstep ... an opportunist may quickly realise that you are away.
Ask a neighbour to keep an eye out for such clues. An "on/off" timer for lights really gives the impression that you are in and if you don't have one, could a neighbour open and close the curtains and leave a light on etc?
It might be a lot to ask, but if you do the same for them when they are away, it is a win - win situation!
Before you do your last minute check for tickets, passport and travellers cheques, think about all your windows and doors. Make they are all double locked and finally don't leave any tools out in the garden.
You'll enjoy your holiday that much more, knowing that a neighbour or two is watching your home ... that's what Neighbourhood Watch is all about!
What will it take for you to join?
Peter Yexley
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