Is Met Engage Safe?

Neighbourhood Alert, Met Engage and Neighbourhood Watch Platforms – Security and Data Integrity

We are aware of recent online claims suggesting that the Neighbourhood Alert platform, which powers Met Engage, Neighbourhood Watch and other community messaging sites, is “unsafe”. These claims are incorrect.

The Neighbourhood Alert system has been developed and securely operated by VISAV Ltd for over 18 years. It is trusted by more than 38 UK police forces, Police and Crime Commissioners and national partners to deliver verified information directly to the public. While the system provides tightly controlled access to a small number of accredited national partners such as Action Fraud and the National Police Chiefs’ Council, this access is highly secure, audited and limited in scope. It allows for significant economies of scale and ensures consistent, trusted messaging across the UK, an essential safeguard in an era of misinformation, AI-generated content and media distortion.

The vast majority of Alert messages are hyper-local, sent by local police to local people about local issues. Members also have full control to choose who they hear from and the topics they wish to receive, reinforcing the system’s decentralised, community-led ethos. The platform undergoes regular independent security audits by accredited CHECK and PASF specialists, confirming compliance with UK GDPR, NCSC and ISO-aligned security standards.

The recent introduction of secure single-use “magic link” authentication was implemented on the recommendation of professional security auditors. This provides greater protection than traditional password systems by eliminating common vulnerabilities such as phishing, password reuse, and credential theft. Member identity is verified to a modern, proportionate standard through secure email authentication, alongside geographic and behavioural validation. Any reports of suspicious activity are investigated in partnership with the relevant police force or public-sector body.

Neighbourhood Alert remains a safe, transparent, and independently funded public-good service, enabling citizens to receive trusted, untampered information directly from policing and other verified partners—bypassing social media algorithms and misinformation. For 18 years, the platform has helped huge numbers of residents and community groups stay informed, connected and engaged in community safety across the UK.