Shenstone Neighbourhood Watch

Welcome to Shenstone Neighbourhood Watch

Due to the level of crime in the village and the increasing need to protect ourselves our homes and valuables, we have recently set up a Shenstone Neighbourhood Watch scheme. Neighbourhood Watch is the largest voluntary organisation in the UK – 1 in 7 homes are members, they work with each other and the police to reduce crime and the fear of crime to make their community safer. Neighbourhood Watch brings communities together to share a sense of responsibility for where they live. It is widely regarded that being part of Neighbourhood Watch can:

  • Reduce/prevent local crime and disorder
  • Reduce the fear of crime
  • Address issues relating to anti-social behaviour
  • Create safer neighbourhoods
  • Build community spirit and cohesion
  • Enhances partnership working with other community groups
  • Assist in the detection and apprehension of criminals through members providing information to the police

Often members of the public feel that crime is going on all around them and they are just helpless observers of these activities, obviously dealing with crime is the domain of the Police and other Agencies, but their effectiveness can be much enhanced by our reporting of incidents and, in addition our awareness of the causes and prevention of crime.

Neighbourhood Watch groups are not expected to act as vigilante groups patrolling the streets but are encouraged to be attentive towards any suspicious behaviour, and report information to the police.

Reporting Crimes
There are various methods of reporting crimes:

  • If a crime is occurring calling 999 is the correct and most rapid route to take
  • If a crime has already taken place, however minor reporting it is important as it enables police to record trends and target areas for increased surveillance. This can be done by phone dialling 101, or can be reported to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800555111, or online.
  • In addition, we have set up a community WhatsApp group – Shenstone NW Alerts which is also to report crimes, again, however minor, and suspicious behaviour etc in order that we as a community can monitor what is happening in our village and that we can support the victims of crime and help lobby for more police resources if needed. So, after reporting to the police please ensure you post details to our group.
  • The link to join is https://chat.whatsapp.com/ImWqYd0KUwXJEoUujgBOPL

When posting in the Shenstone NW Alerts Group please be aware that to maximise the effectiveness of the group only the following types of posts are permitted:

  1. Reporting a crime in progress
  2. Reporting a crime after the event
  3. Reporting suspicious activity
  4. To advise of serious incidents such as accidents, fallen trees, road closures etc.

Please do not post messages of support or sympathy on this group, we want people to understand that when an alert is posted it is vital that it is read by as many people as possible as quickly as possible, if the group is used for irrelevant posts, it will not work effectively.

We ask that if someone reports a crime in progress that neighbours will immediately look out of their windows and take details of the perpetrator’s registration number, a description if possible, or any information that may make them identifiable.

We will also be providing crime prevention advice via the WhatsApp group and information regarding meetings, but these posts will be no more than once weekly.

As scheme coordinators we are passionate about trying to protect our village and residents. We know that often people are reluctant to bother the police with minor concerns or for fear of repercussions, but we want to hear your concerns and can pass information to the police on your behalf. Please feel free to call us on a totally confidential basis on any of the following numbers:

  • Jane Logan 07946 343650
  • Mary Wright 07825 199360
  • Tony Marks 07983 178130

To summarise, we want to make the criminals understand that we as a village are working together to fight back in as many small ways that we can, to make Shenstone a place they think twice about violating. We have several ideas and plans as well as general advice that we will be communicating to you over the coming months to help protect ourselves, our homes and our village.

In the meantime, take care and stay safe.

P.S You don’t have to join the Neighbourhood Watch organisation to become a member of our scheme but if you do there is lots of helpful advice and very good discounts on home and car security products.