First draft of new newsletter format v1

Welcome to the September edition of the Neighbourhood Watch newsletter. 

Join us for the Neighbourhood Watch conference

The Neighbourhood Watch 2025 Conference, will be taking place online via Zoom on Wednesday 24 September 2025, from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Join us for the whole event or just the sessions that matter most to you. Highlights include: 

✨ A first look at the new Neighbourhood Watch strategy for 2026-2030 

✨ Celebrating coordinator stories and experiences from across the network 

✨ Interactive sessions and a Q&A with the Central Support Team 

✨ Volunteer Recognition Awards - connect, learn, and celebrate together. 

👉 Register your place today

National Emergency Alert test

The UK government is testing the Emergency Alerts system on Sunday 7 September 2025 at 3pm. Your mobile phone or tablet will vibrate and make a loud siren-like sound, even if it’s set on silent. The alert message will confirm this is a test and that you do not need to take any further action. Regular testing ensures the system is functioning correctly, should it need to be used in a life-threatening emergency. Find out more at gov.uk/alerts. 

Going back to school or starting university this September? 

Here are some student safety tips from Patlock. 

Crime reduction in areas with Neighbourhood Watch

The National College of Policing shared data with ITV news that areas where police work closely with Neighbourhood Watch groups see a significant reduction in crime. 

Several Neighbourhood Watch representatives spoke to ITV to share their views on why their local partnerships were proving so successful. The story included interviews with Steph Good, project manager in Devon and Cornwall, Graham Penn in Rotherham and Dr Fatima Eltinay in Derbyshire. 

You can check out the story on Youtube.

Mobile phone theft

It is reported that a mobile phone is stolen every hour in some areas of the UK. With this in mind, we have put together some top tips to help keep your mobile safer. Our mobile phone’s value is more than just monetary, they contain our personal data, our social account, our banking details and our treasured photos of our loved ones. Priceless. 

1. Stay aware in public spaces 

Thieves often target people who are distracted (e.g. texting while walking or standing by bus/train stops). Keep your phone out of sight in crowded areas like high streets, public transport, or outside bars/clubs. 

2. Use secure carrying methods 

Avoid keeping your phone in back pockets or loosely in your hand. Use a zipped bag or front pocket, ideally with the opening facing inward when in a crowd. 

3. Enable security features 

Set up a strong PIN, password, fingerprint, or facial recognition. Register your device’s IMEI number (by dialling *#06#) with your network provider; this makes it easier to block if stolen. 

4. Be cautious at hotspots for theft 

Phone theft is common near transport hubs, tourist attractions, and busy nightlife areas in UK cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham. Avoid displaying your phone when standing near open train doors, escalators, or while cycling. 

5. Use tracking and backup services 

Activate “Find My iPhone” (Apple) or “Find My Device” (Android). Regularly back up important data, so if your phone is stolen, you won’t lose personal information

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