Local MP, Greg Barker, put his full support behind plans to expand Rother Neighbourhood Watch schemes when he met Chairman, Ted Kemp, and Vice Chair, Keith Miller, in Bexhill on Monday.
Rother Neighbourhood Watch continues to go from strength to strength and now has over 180 local co-ordinators. It has the full support of the local police as Neighbourhood Watch helps to make local communities a safer place to live.
Far from being content with the success of the scheme so far, the new Chair and Vice-Chair believe that there is much that can be done to increase the number of Neighbourhood Watch schemes in Bexhill, Battle, Rye and the villages in Rother. They are also hoping to introduce a Junior Neighbourhood Watch scheme for young people living in Rother.
Greg said “Neighbourhood Watch is a really effective voluntary organisation and has a proven track record of reducing crime and the fear of crime in the areas where it operates. It encourages local people to report their concerns to the police and to share vital information with friends and neighbours.
“I think it is a great idea to start a Junior Neighbourhood Watch scheme. Young people are often at more risk of crime so this would be a good way for them to share information to help keep themselves safe when out and about.”
“Criminals think twice before entering a Neighbourhood Watch area so I’m putting my full support behind the plans to expand the scheme to more areas in Rother. I would urge anyone thinking about setting up a scheme in their area to contact Rother Neighbourhood Watch to find out more”
Chief Inspector Warren Franklin, Rother District Commander, said: “Rother police fully support Rother Neighbourhood Watch and we rely on this supportive approach, as often the best information comes from our local communities who act as our eyes and ears.
“Policing is dependent on the support of the community and Neighbourhood Watch enhances the confidence of working together to prevent and detect crime and to make local communities safer. It's really valuable that the local MP for Bexhill and Battle, Greg Barker, recognises the contribution that Neighbourhood Watch provides and the police will assist with supporting the expansion of the scheme.”
For more information email Ted Kemp at [email protected] or visit the Rother Neighbourhood Watch website www.rothernhw.co.uk