Neighbourhood Watch Scheme
Local Neighbourhood Watch Schemes enable you and your neighbours to come together to have a say in the issues which matter to you in your community.
We have been committed to supporting Neighbourhood Watch throughout our force since its introduction in 1982.
Benefits of Neighbourhood Watch
The benefits to joining a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme are that it:
- shows that members of a community are looking out for each other
- keeps you up-to-date with what is going on in your area – known as Community Alerts.
- can help to prevent and tackle crime in your community
- may save you money on your home insurance
Types of involvement
There are a few roles within the Neighbourhood Watch scheme, these are:
- Admins – Avon and Somerset Police staff who manage Neighbourhood Watch and send alerts out to their coordinators
- Coordinators – main link between residents, the police and partner organisations within a defined area
- Member – receive alerts directly from their local coordinator for updates within their area
Coordinator roles and responsibilities
Each Neighbourhood Watch scheme has a volunteer coordinator who helps keep the area informed, connected and safe. The coordinator is the main link between residents, the police and partner organisations.
All coordinators are expected to:
- encourage neighbours to join and support community spirit
- share Community Alerts and local information with their members
- keep a simple, up‑to‑date list of members
- signpost concerns to the right organisation and encourage police reporting
- work with Avon and Somerset Police using your local knowledge
- be approachable, organised and a good communicator who cares about their community
Join or start your local scheme
There are multiple schemes you could join, depending on whether you live in:
- Bristol
- North Somerset and Somerset
- South Gloucestershire, Bath and North East Somerset
You can join an existing scheme, or start a new one if there is not one currently in your area.
To find out how you can get involved, contact the admins via alerts@avonandsomerset.police.uk. Make sure to include your postcode so they can match you with the appropriate scheme.