Our News February, featuring free training for businesses, police reforms and the Super Neighbours Academy

Hello Neighbours,

And happy February! Valentines Day is around the corner; it fills me with dread. I worry that Royal Mail won’t cope with the quantity of cards being sent to me and lose them all… it happens every year. I’m joking, I do get one card (from the cat). But this time of year, romance is marketed very aggressively. It’s natural to want to show people we care. But there are individuals out there who exploit that generosity. Our Romance Fraud pages have useful information if you are worried about a relationship that doesn’t feel quite right.

Also, we need to make an apology. Last week we sent out a message with a special offer for members. But we got a lot of negative feedback. We’ve listened and decided not to send individual alert messages relating to offers from partner and sponsor organisations. As a charity we rely on sponsors to help fund our work, keep membership free and provide value for our membership. So, in future, we’ll be sharing offers in our newsletter and on our website.

In this issue

Free neighbourhood safety training for businesses

Shops and businesses are often victims of crime. Nearly half of retail staff say they are attacked or abused once a week. It causes serious damage to businesses and employee wellbeing. 

We developed Neighbourhood Safety Training as part of our commitment to the Community Safety Charter. The training is free and designed specifically for businesses and shops.  Online modules include ASB, Harassment and Personal Safety and we have more coming soon. If you own, manage or work in a business or retailer, you can sign up here. 

Reforms announced to speed up Police response times  

Police forces will be forced to respond to emergency calls faster in England and Wales under new reforms. Under the new reforms, response officers will be expected to reach the scene of the most serious incidents within 15 minutes in cities and 20 minutes in rural areas. Forces will be expected to answer 999 phone calls within 10 seconds. Read the full story on our website. 

What can retail crime teach us about keeping homes secure? 

Retail and business crime is often associated with shoplifting or break-ins to commercial premises, but many of the same tactics used against businesses may also be used against homes. Many of the measures businesses use are designed not to alarm, but to discourage opportunistic crime - the same type of crime that most commonly affects residential areas. Find out more and get the Neighbourhood Watch discount here. - AD

Safer shopping online

We’ve updated our advice about shopping safely online. According to the Office of National Statistics, nearly a third of the shopping in the UK is now done on the internet. Which is why criminals are increasingly turning to web-enabled fraud to steal money and personal details. The good news is, there are steps you can take to shop safely and securely. Find out how on our website. 

Spotlight: Cheshire NWA 

The Neighbourhood Watch community in Cheshire are doing fantastic work. They currently have approximately 1,200 NW Schemes and 30,000 members. With an active programme of events, volunteering, and a very successful doorstep crime campaign. They also have a brilliant Instagram account with lots of sharable posts on crime prevention and local news. It’s really inspiring, you can follow Cheshire NW on Instagram here or check out their website. 

Congratulations Paul! 

Paul Sunners, Chair of Wiltshire Neighbourhood Watch, has been awarded the Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner’s Excellence in Service Award, in recognition of his exceptional dedication and leadership in advancing Neighbourhood Watch across Wiltshire. 

Paul has transformed the Association into a proactive, respected body at the forefront of crime prevention. His efforts in tackling anti-social behaviour locally and supporting restorative justice initiatives exemplify his passion for making communities safer. Paul has long been an inspiring and valuable leader in our community, it is wonderful to see his dedication being celebrated. 

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 

Nominate Neighbourhood Watch for £1,000

It only takes a minute to nominate Neighbourhood Watch for the Benefact Group’s Movement for Good £1,000 draw. Every entry gives us the chance to receive a donation that could make a real difference for our communities. Winnings will go directly into the Community Grants programme - helping to kick-start and expand projects across the country. Click here to nominate Neighbourhood Watch today. 

Super Neighbours Academy 

The European Neighbourhood Watch Association has shared a new educational package designed to introduce the values of Neighbourhood Watch to children aged 6-9. The "Super Neighbours' Academy" is a workshop designed to teach observation and civic awareness in a positive, age-appropriate way. You can read more about the project and download the full package on this link. 

Do something special for the people you love

A Will makes it clear who should inherit what - and an LPA lets someone you trust handle your finances or care if you’re unable to. Don’t put it off. Neighbourhood Watch members can save up to 20%. Find out more here and gain an entry to the Valentines Day prize draw too! - AD

Helping people become active bystanders 

Our free Bystander training empowers people to safely intervene when they see harassment, discrimination, or abuse happening in public spaces. Fatou, our London Project Lead, has already trained over 150 people. The feedback has been really positive with participants telling us they feel confident to act. We’ve also created a video to explain what the Bystander effect is, and what to do if you find yourself in a tricky situation. Watch the Bystander video here. 
 

That’s it for this month, thank you so much for reading. I really appreciate all the feedback. Don’t forget we also publish more national news items on our website, so you can download or print them, whenever you want, from the news page here. 

Warm wishes, 

Charmian