How effective is Neighbourhood Watch in crime reduction?

The Chief Constable of Hertfordshire Police and The Association of Chief Police Officers, Frank Whitely, recently completed a research study into that question and he reported to his Association as follows:

 The objective of this project was to look at the available literature providing evidence of the impact of Neighbourhood Watch on crime reduction.

 In assessing the evidence, a database was created of 443 documents from around the World and searched for references to effectiveness and for related views and experiences. The results were categorised and ranked in terms of quality and depth.

 The most reliable results showed that in the UK, Neighbourhood Watch schemes were effective in reducing crime in 79% of cases when compared with similar areas where no schemes existed.

 The studies also showed that Watch schemes are generally highly valued by the general public, who appreciate them not just for their impact on crime but also for their reassurance that they provide and for the ways in which they encourage greater community spirit and cohesion.

 The research draws a line under the debate about whether Neighbourhood Watch Schemes are effective in reducing crime. THEY DO!

 With encouraging results on the effectiveness of Neighbourhood Watch in reducing crime, this paper now proposes that future research into effectiveness should focus of the other aspects of Neighbourhood Watch that the public value and on learning from the successes to promote Best Practice within the Watch movement.

OUR CONCLUSION AT MEDWAY

Well, we always knew we were doing a great job didn’t we?
But it’s nice to get it officially confirmed!
Well done the Watches in Medway!

MEDWAY NEIGHBOURHOOD
WATCH ASSOCIATION
A Registered Charity Working Together
For a Safer Medway