Neighbourhood watch vital to police, says Orde

Crime victims were today urged to stand together in a new bid to thwart thugs and burglars menacing whole communities in Northern Ireland.

As police launched their Neighbourhood Watch scheme, chief constable Hugh Orde called for the co-operation his officers need to fight antisocial behaviour.

He said: “The quality of life for many people is coloured by their perception of safety, for themselves, their families and their neighbours.

“Policing with the community is the way in which we want to do business and Neighbourhood Watch can make a significant contribution to achieving that aim.

“This is fundamentally about local communities, the police and relevant agencies working effectively in partnership to enable a local approach to local problems.”

PSNI bosses have been joined by the Northern Ireland Office’s Community Safety Unit and the Policing Board to set up the model.

Schemes already operating informally in some districts will be brought together as part of of a new corporate identity.

The model is also to be affiliated with a UK-wide association.

Funding, information and signage will all be provided to help local schemes develop, improve home security and boost community spirit.

Residents involved will be known as community partners and register with a Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator who liaises with police and other agencies.

Professor Desmond Rea, chairman of the Policing Board, insisted the plans would let residents contribute in a positive way.

He said: “Policing with the community is a core statutory function of the PSNI and its ongoing implementation and development is central to making our communities safer.”