Know Your Neighbours

The most important action you can take to  make your place safer is to know your  neighbours. Exchange contact details,  discuss your crime and safety concerns,  and decide what you would do in an   emergency.

Let neighbours know when you  are going to  be away. Swap  holiday addresses and phone  numbers. Let each other know  if visitors or  tradespeople will  be in your house while  you are  away.

Be a good neighbour

If your neighbours are away, you can help  them by making their house look ‘lived in’:

»» Turn on lights at night.

»» Close curtains at night and open them      during the day.

»» Mow lawns.

»» Clear mail, especially junk mail and      newspapers.

»» Use their clothesline or driveway.

»» Keep an eye on their house and walk      around it once a day to check it is      secure.

Question strangers, but don’t say the

neighbours are away. Write down their  description, and note the time and date.

Write down the registration numbers of unfamiliar vehicles  moving slowly or stopping in the street.

Report anything suspicious to your local police station.

If you think a crime is being committed or someone is in  serious danger, call the police immediately on 999.

Start a Neighbourhood

Watch group

Neighbourhood Watch helps neighbours to talk to each  other and works closely with the Police and other  organisations in your community to reduce crime, improve  safety and prepare to deal with emergencies and natural   disasters.

Association

Of

Scottish Neighbourhood Watches

Community Police Officers in New Zealand

Working with Neighbourhood Support Groups

For more information on starting a Watch in Fife, or  Scotland,  see “Starting a Watch” or click on AoSNW logo.