Our News this November - better late than never!

Hello Neighbours, 

Welcome to the November edition of Our News. It's a packed edition, with lots of great news and offers. But, first of all, we need to apologise for sending it out late this month. We’re so sorry for the delay. According to VISAV, the company that manage the Alert system we use to send the newsletter, the problem was related to an anomaly with the database.  They've been working to prevent it happening again. Thank you so much for your patience and support while it was being fixed! 

Knife crime stats update

The new figures show a 10% reduction in offences under this government across the seven police forces most impacted by knife crime, with areas like West Midlands seeing a 30% drop, following targeted policing efforts.  

Interventions include the use of hotspot policing, acting on better intelligence on offenders, increased patrols using knife arches, drones and plain clothes officers. Read the full story online. 

Expert advice to help you protect your home this winter

With Black Friday on the horizon, and the most prepared amongst us already ticking items off the Christmas present shopping list, Sumier Foster-Shah from ERA - one of the UK’s leading home security providers - shares his top tips for making sure your home is properly protected over the coming months. Read his easily applicable advice here. – AD

Congratulations to Lynn Farrar! 

Lynn is Board Member at Derbyshire Neighbourhood Watch, and she has recently recognised as Trustee of the Year. She was given the prestigious award by The Chesterfield and NE Derbyshire Volunteer Centre. Lynn has led her local Neighbourhood Watch through legal and strategic change. She expanded it from a traditional crime-prevention group to a community focused network. It is absolutely wonderful to see her efforts rewarded. 

Mobile phone survey insights 

31,000 people filled in our mobile phone theft survey, and we’ve shared the key findings on our website. We'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone who shared their experiences and views with us. We'll be using this information to improve our mobile phone resources. Want advice on what you can do to protect your data and phone, or what to do in the event that your phone is stolen? Check out our mobile phone theft pages. 

Protect your wallet and your water!

Rogue plumbers can cause expensive damage, leaks and even contamination.

This simple guide shows you how to hire a qualified, WaterSafe-approved professional. Demand ID, get a written quote, and never be pressured. Find your certified expert at watersafe.org.uk. - AD 

Cyberhood Watch 

Craig Pay, one of our Cyberhood Watch Ambassadors, recently spoke at The Cybercrime and Fraud Conference hosted by Lancashire Police and Lancashire Partnership Against Crime. He gave a talk about Cyberhood Watch alongside other speakers, notably Georgina Harrison MBE (Love Island sextortion victim) and Kirsty Guest (romance fraud victim).

Strengthening village safety in Cornwall

A Neighbourhood Watch Scheme has been launched in St Erth, a village in Cornwall with the goal of preventing crime and easing fears about it in the village. The scheme was created following the annual parish meeting earlier this year, where villagers raised concerns about rising anti-social behaviour and the need to better integrate newcomers into the community. Find out more. 
 

Protecting your family through estate planning 
Take control now - planning ahead with a Will and LPA ensures your loved ones are protected and never powerless. A crisis can hit unexpectedly, and without these plans, crucial decisions may be taken out of your control. Click here to discover how estate planning secures your future. - AD 

Opinion: Faith communities are key to crime reduction

Faith communities are often the backbone of our neighbourhoods. We have been building our homes around centres of worship for millennia. Our Trustee, Kardaya Rooprai, attended the National Faith Conference, and he believes faith communities are also key to reducing hate, division and crime. Read his blog. 

Have you heard about the switch to digital landlines? 
Landlines are changing, and the UK’s telephone network is going digital by January 2027. If you have loved ones with additional needs such as elderly relatives or someone who uses a telecare device or pendant alarm, BT’s Connected Together initiative encourages you to take a few simple steps to support them through the switch. BT’s Connected Together website is where customers, can access all the guidance and support they need. Start the conversation today. - AD 

Headingley Ash Road NW welcome new (and old!) residents to the area. 

How wonderful to see the 8th annual welcome event for new residents in Ash Road.  The street party was held by the Headingley Ash Road NW group in Leeds. Offering free food and a tombola as well as special offers, it’s a fabulous way to bring neighbours and new arrivals together. What a warm welcome to the neighbourhood! 

Why not join the Neighbourhood Watch lottery community! 

Playing a charity lottery is a fun, low-cost way to support a good cause while also having the chance to win up to £25,000 a week. The lottery generates a steady source of income that supports our core work and volunteer network across England and Wales. These funds enable us to do more as a charity - support our volunteers better, build stronger projects, and make more of an impact on crime prevention and community wellbeing. Support Neighbourhood Watch Network when you play One Lottery - One Lottery

Thanks so much for reading, have a very safe and happy November everyone!