Hi Everyone,

It’s been a while since my last newsletter but things have been quietly happening in the background. We now have received some grant money from CDL, Chief Sheriff, Greater Manchester Neighbourhood Watch, SkyLight and the Charity Service so we can now start doing stuff!
 

SIGNAGE

 One of the first things is to update the lamp post signage. New schemes can now have new signage, old schemes can have more signs or where new overlays where the signs are faded or the out-dated “Homewatch” signs. Another battle I have won is that we have also at last got permission from the council to put them up ourselves (providing I fill in the correct paperwork) rather than being their cash cow and paying them huge ££££’s to put up each one for us. If you are a coordinator and want signs on your street, or new overlays for old Homewatch signs, let me know.
 

COMMITTEE POSTS

We urgently need more committee members. One executive post needs filling - secretary. We have some non-executive help but could do with more help with things like facebook updates, crime statistics and extra pairs of hands at events etc.

DRUG DEALING & CANNABIS FARMS

The police are keen to have information on these. If you have any information on locations either report directly on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers 0800555111, or the online equivalents gmp.police.uk and crimestoppers-uk.org You might think these are victimless crimes that don’t affect you but everything is interlinked, some addicts fund their addiction with house burglaries and dealers invest their ill-gotten gains in driving dangerously on roads and in parks with their off-road motorbikes etc. And while we are on the subject of off-road motorbikes, the police would love to know where they are stored over night, it’s apparently a lot easier to arrest bikes & owners at 2am when they are separate & asleep!

HELP FOR NEW SCHEME COORDINATORS

We now have a coordinator packs including a booklet, introductory cards & window stickers etc., please ask if you want one.

HELP FOR EXISTING SCHEME COORDINATORS

We have a supply of standard & “No cold calling” window stickers. If you need more or were “short changed” last time these were given out please let me know.

We also have a WhatsApp group for coordinators, ask if you would like to be added.
 

UNWANTED SCHEME MEMBERS

Most coordinators, understandably, only want members from their street in their scheme. Unfortunately the ourwatch website allows anyone to “join” any scheme, and in fact encourages them to join the nearest one!

If you are a coordinator perhaps you could log in to your ourwatch account (using “forgotten password” option if you have forgotten) and send any hangers on a polite message via ourwatch that you don’t want them in your scheme, or if you do want them ask for email address /whatsapp number or whatever info you need to put them on your list.

If you thought you joined a nearby scheme via ourwatch but haven’t had any communication from them and wondering why, that is why. Maybe think of starting a scheme for your street instead?

IMMOBILISE WEBSITE

Register your valuables here free and improve your chances of getting them back if lost or stolen

immobilise.com
 

ELEVENSES CLUB

One of our Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators, with the help of a neighbour, have once a month been doing an “Elevenses Club” for their road for the bereaved and / or elderly left living alone etc. I now have funding to help other similar schemes get off the ground, it doesn’t have to be at 11am and it doesn’t have to involve home made cake. So far I have given a small grant for a “knit & natter”, and to a block of senior living apartments to kick start events in their common room.

WARM SPACES

If not for you maybe mention to someone on your street who may benefit from it and who is less internet savvy to look it up themselves.

stockport.gov.uk/warm-spaces

LITTER PICKING

We have a litter picking equipment (adult & child sized) that can be borrowed for group events that also improve the environment in your local park/common area as well as being a fun group event.

Neighbourhood Watch isn't just about reducing crime!

Phil Handscomb 

Chairman