Nether Heyford & Upper Heyford Neighbourhood Watch 2020
NEW scheme revival for 2020
New Coordinator (Jez Wilson @ The Prattler)
New Deputy Coordinator (Sue Boutle @ The Prattler)
New larger geographical area includes the full parish areas of Nether Heyford & Upper Heyford
The scheme is open to village residents only and all applications should be made online: www.ourwatch.org.uk/scheme/25380/nether-heyford-and-upper-heyford
Neighbourhood Watch itself began life in the UK over 30 years ago in response to rising crime, but today, as times change, it covers all aspects of keeping safe.
In 1983, Northamptonshire Police set up a Neighbourhood Watch scheme which was seen as one of the first in the country. Five years later, in 1988, the Northamptonshire Neighbourhood Watch Association was formed to establish and run the scheme as an independent organisation.
Neighbourhood Watch is the largest voluntary crime prevention group in the country. It is based on the idea of communities coming together to reduce crime and increase community cohesion.
Nether Heyford has a long history of having a Neighbourhood Watch scheme and indeed supported Northamptonshire Police with a scheme from the early beginnings in the 1980’s.
Since then there have been the following developments:
1995: CrimeStoppers 0800 555 111
The Community Action Trust that began in 1988 with a simple phone line to report crime anonymously became CrimeStoppers a National Freephone number 0800 555 111 available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. crimestoppers-uk.org
2007: “Neighbourhood Watch” becomes a National Organisation
Neighbourhood Watch representatives formed local, county and regional groups and in 2007 with the support of the police and the Home Office the first national umbrella organisation for the movement was established. www.ourwatch.org.uk
2011: National freephone number 101 is launched for reporting non-emergency incidents.
2015: Northamptonshire Police launch new ability to report crimes online www.northants.police.uk
2017: Northamptonshire Neighbourhood Alerts – Email subscription service for crime reports from across the county. www.northamptonshireneighbourhoodalert.co.uk
2017: “Neighbourhood Watch” became “Neighbourhood Watch Network” a Charitable Incorporated Organisation www.ourwatch.org.uk
2018: A Facebook group was set up Nether Heyford Neighbourhood Watch it’s aim to notify people of incidents which are happening in and around Nether & Upper Heyford.
2019: New Police Community Support Officer (PCSO)
Nether Heyford Parish Council funds a new PCSO for the village. PCSO Matt Taylor also serves as PCSO for the neighbouring village Bugbrooke.
2020: Nether Heyford Neighbourhood Watch scheme
The 2020 scheme revival is a fresh start for the village “Neighbourhood Watch Register” and expands the scheme area to include the complete parish area and Upper Heyford. Also completely linking together with the Facebook group, Northants Neighbourhood Watch, The Parish Council, The PCSO and The Prattler.
The scheme is open to village residents only and all applications should be made online: www.ourwatch.org.uk/scheme/25380/nether-heyford-and-upper-heyford
Village Benefits:
People join Neighbourhood Watch for many different reasons, whether it is to improve safety around their home or to become part of a group and meet new people. It is widely regarded that being part of Neighbourhood Watch can:
- Reduce / prevent local crime and disorder
- Reduce fear of crime
- Protect the vulnerable and elderly
- Safeguard property
- Address issues relating to anti social behaviour
- Create safer neighbourhoods
- Build community spirit and cohesion
- Reassure members of the public
- Enhance partnership working with other community groups
- Assist in the detection and apprehension of criminals through members providing information to the police
- Improve quality of life and the local environment
Member Benefits:
- Email alerts of crimes and issues affecting Nether Heyford, Upper Heyford and the surrounding areas.
- Crime prevention advice to help protect your family and belongings.
- Latest information on current scams and criminal activity in the area.
- “No Cold Calling” and “Neighbourhood Watch Area” stickers and advice leaflets available.
- Opportunity to help vulnerable village residents to help tackle loneliness in the community.
- Join the register of community residents who may be called upon in times of national emergency.
New 2020:
- A new coordinator (Jez Wilson @ The Prattler)
- A new deputy coordinator (Sue Boutle @ The Prattler)
- The geographical area of the scheme has been increased to include everyone inside the parish boundary up to the A5, Heyford Mill and the village of Upper Heyford.
- Previous members who signed up online via the website have been contacted and are considered members of the new 2020 scheme. Theses members are in the process of being verified by the coordinator to establish continuation of membership or if they have moved from the area.
- Previous members of the village scheme who signed up at meetings or via the telephone/post/visits are no longer recorded as official scheme members and the member list no longer exists. Theses members are encouraged to sign up again online [The scheme must hold all membership details within the the official system/website/database in order to comply with all areas of General Data Protection Regulation.]
- The previously unofficial Facebook Group Nether Heyford Neighbourhood Watch now becomes an official scheme news channel with the new NHW scheme coordinator (Jez Wilson @ The Prattler) as Facebook group admin.
It’s aim to notify people of incidents which are happening in and around Nether & Upper Heyford. The group now has over 400 members with 15 volunteer moderators from the village helping to reacting quickly and maintain the integrity and rules of the group. Anyone can join to follow/share/comment on anything that’s happening in Nether Heyford and Upper Heyford. The Facebook group welcomes all new members who agree to the small number of rules, its a good opportunity to stay up to date for those who have family and friends in the village or have an active interest in the area. All members of the Facebook group are very much appreciated and all views, posts, shares and comments are all important to the overall success of the official village scheme.
It should be noted that being a member of the NHNW Facebook group doesn’t mean membership of the official Nether Heyford & Upper Heyford Neighbourhood Watch scheme.
The scheme is open to village residents only and all applications should be made online: www.ourwatch.org.uk/scheme/25380/nether-heyford-and-upper-heyford
The Nether Heyford Prattler 