Our News 20 July

Hello Neighbours, 

Hopefully you will have seen our ASB awareness campaign on social media. The aim is to educate, empower and encourage people to understand the issue and make reports. But even more powerful than reporting, is prevention. Neighbourhood Watch is built on a shared belief that stronger communities are safer. By looking out for each other, we can reduce the opportunities for antisocial behaviour to occur. Cheryl Spruce, our Head of Membership, has written about why community connection is fundamental to creating safer, nicer places to live. Read her blog here. 

Highlights this edition

Listen to the trailer for the Neighbourhood Watch podcast

You lucky people get a sneak peek listen! Our podcast host is Alfie Moore, a former police officer turned award-winning comedian. The show talks to special guests about growing up in different neighbourhoods and their experiences of crime. Listen to the trailer and subscribe here.  The first episode, Breaking and Entering with Penny Smith airs on Friday 24 July. 

P.S. For any Scottish fans of Alfie Moore, he is performing at the Edinburgh Festival in August, check out the show information and get tickets here. 

Respect Orders to launch nationwide in national  crackdown on ASB offenders

Respect Orders will launch across England and Wales in October, giving police and councils tougher powers to crack down on repeat perpetrators of antisocial behaviour (ASB). This will enable authorities to take stronger action to tackle persistent adult offenders, including prison sentences. For example, officers will be able to ban them from town centres or stop them drinking in public hotspots. Read the full story here. 

Halving violence against women and girls: the principles that must underpin the Strategy 

The Government has a strategic aim to halve violence against women and girls (VAWG) in a decade. To support this ambition, a new 10-year government Strategy is set to be published this autumn. The Victims’ Commissioner has published a paper outlining six foundational principles that must underpin this Strategy. Read the paper here. 

Save 20%* off the UK’s favourite travel insurance 

Neighbourhood Watch is committed to helping you stay safe, at home and abroad. That's why we've partnered with Staysure, offering award-winning travel insurance for added peace of mind wherever you travel. Enjoy 20% off with code NBHW20 here. *Excludes costs to cover medical conditions and add-ons. New policies only. Ends 18/08/2026. T&Cs apply.

Community focus – Lakes Road

Using the Communi-Tea activity pack, Lakes Road NW invited their street to a get-together. It was a fantastic success, resulting in new connections and conversations about the role of Neighbourhood Watch. The group gained three new members, who are sharing information and alerts, and there’s even talk of starting a book club! We’re so excited to see the scheme grow. 

Travel safely this summer with AlarmID

AlarmID is a portable security alarm designed to protect bags, laptops, and luggage from opportunistic theft. Loop it around your things, or attach to your laptop. If someone tries to unplug or cut the cable, a loud siren sounds instantly. Going on summer travels? AlarmID is an essential accessory to keep your belongings safe – get your exclusive NW discount here. – Ad. 

Classic white T-shirts in our shop

Not even the harshest fashion police could object to a classic white T-shirt, and we have some great ones in our shop. Better still, they are sustainable too. Each one is made from GOTS-certified organic cotton in factories powered by renewable energy, and they are designed to keep materials out of landfill too. So, you can look good and support the charity with minimum impact on our beautiful planet. Browse the Neighbourhood Watch shop here. 

BT customer webinars

UK landlines are going digital, so BT are hosting free digital switch‑over webinars for customers.  The sessions are part of the Digital Voice project covering what you need to know and what to do next. Keep up to date with the switch to fibre technology. Three sessions will be held every month – during the day, in the evening, and even on a weekend.  Sign up to the webinars here.  – Ad. 

Consumer and community organisations join forces on energy scams

A group of organisations including Smart Energy GB, Neighbourhood Watch, Citizens Advice, Take Five to Stop Fraud and Crimestoppers Trust came together to host a drop-in event at the Houses of Parliament for MPs, policy makers and staff. The aim was to raise awareness of energy scams and to share consumer advice, fraud prevention and community safety expertise. Find out more here. 

Missing, controlled and exploited: spot the signs before it’s too late

County Lines is often viewed as a drug crime issue, but at its heart is the exploitation of children and vulnerable people by organised criminal gangs. Many young people are groomed, controlled and coerced into transporting drugs, money or weapons, often while being reported missing from home, school or care. Missing episodes are one of the strongest indicators that a child may be at risk of County Lines exploitation. Find out more about Crimestoppers’ latest campaign here. 

If you’d like to read a version of the newsletter online you can find that here.  

Best wishes,

Charmian