News Release
Watchers meet neighbourhood police
Dated: 14 May 2007
Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators in South Tyneside have been invited to meet their local police chief and hear how Neighbourhood Policing can help schemes.
Chief Superintendent Kevin Lambert, South Tyneside Area Commander, has targeted over more 500 scheme co-ordinators covering almost 22,000 homes with the invitation to hear about policing issues and listen to the views of Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinators.
This is part of the Safer South Tyneside partnership, a joint initiative with Northumbria Police, the local authority and other partners, to reduce crime and the fear of crime.
Chief Supt Lambert said: " Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinators freely spend their valuable time for the good of their communities. They help their neighbours avoid being victims of crime and help scheme members pass on information about suspicious behaviour to the police.
" We want to encourage people to get involved in these schemes, to help the police and help themselves by being a good neighbour and telling officers about any concerns they may have.
" Police officers and Community Support Officers need the support and active involvement of the community to police neighbourhoods properly. Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators are an important link to enable us to do this. I want to thank them for their efforts and assist them in the future with the support of Neighbourhood Policing Teams. "
Scheme co-ordinators have been asked to come along to this invitation only event at Temple Park Leisure Centre on Tuesday, May 15. Chief Supt Lambert will talk about the main policing priorities for South Tyneside over the next year and explain how the new role of Neighbourhood Policing will work to provide extra support to Neighbourhood Watch schemes.
Councillor Joanne Bell, Lead Member Safer and Stronger Communities, said: " We have always said that when tackling crime and anti-social behaviour, we cannot achieve anything alone. But with the help of local people, we can take a united stand against these problems. We need our communities to get behind us, and by working together, the council, police and local people can create a safer South Tyneside for everyone.
" This event gives us a chance to thank Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators who are already working with us, whilst encouraging others to join in. "
Officers from the three police sectors of Riverside and West Shields, Cleadon and East Shields and Hebburn and Jarrow will be also be available to talk to co-ordinators and discuss any concerns they may have.
Chief Supt Lambert added: " I really do hope that as many people as possible do come along. I would like to meet these individuals who are the backbone of our Neighbourhood Watch schemes and provide a valuable service to their communities and the police.
" I hope Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators and officers both gain some fresh ideas from this meeting and that together we can help schemes flourish."