Police hold insight days to develop closer links with Neighbourhood Watch

Two ‘Insight Days’ have been organised for Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinators from across Derbyshire, to give them a chance to learn about the dog section, call management and drugs.

Co-ordinators are also given the opportunity at the event to speak to Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner Alan Charles.

After the success of the first insight day, police organised a second, which will take place on Wednesday 20th November at Derbyshire Constabulary Headquarters in Ripley.

Kate Bowyer, partnership communications manager of Derbyshire Constabulary’s Community Engagement Team, said: “Neighbourhood Watch is the largest group of volunteers to work in partnership with the police and their membership has continued to grow.

“We are very grateful for the links that they can provide between the police and the local community, and we have been organising these events with the aim of helping co-ordinators understand why their roles as volunteers are so important, and to encourage more communities to get involved.”

In addition to the Insight Days, action weeks are being held across the county.

During the action weeks, the mobile police station visits rural communities to help raise awareness of the benefits Neighbourhood Watch can bring.

In Derbyshire, Neighbourhood Watch members and co-ordinators can sign up to Derbyshire Alert, a free community messaging service that allows the police and other partners to distribute messages about crime and crime prevention quickly and effectively.

Miss Bowyer added: “We’re always looking for people who are interested in joining Neighbourhood Watch, or setting up a scheme for their area, especially in more rural communities.”

For more information on joining or setting up a Neighbourhood Watch scheme in your area visit www.derbyshire.police.uk or www.ourwatch.org.uk.

Alternatively, contact your local Safer Neighbourhood policing on 101, the non emergency number for Derbyshire police.