“Thank you for helping to keep us safe” – says PCC to Neighbourhood Watch Groups on 35th Anniversary
13th July 2020
Neighbourhood Watch in West Yorkshire turns 35 on Monday (13th July) and to mark the occasion the regions’ Police and Crime Commissioner is saying a big thank you to all those involved for getting involved over the years to help others.
Neighbourhood Watch was first introduced in the UK in 1982. Police Officers visiting Chicago USA saw the benefits that such schemes were having in the community and decided to pilot it in the UK. The first scheme was launched in Mollington, Cheshire and after a successful trial was expanded throughout the country.
West Yorkshire Police launched Neighbourhood Watch in 1985 and since then it has developed with thousands of active schemes.
Mark Burns-Williamson, West Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), said: “Reaching 35 years is a fantastic milestone for Neighbourhood Watch in West Yorkshire.
“I have personally met many Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinators and groups in my time and I am always moved by their passion, dedication and community spirit. Their actions really do help to keep us all safe and they are an important link between the police and our communities.
“During the unprecedented fallout of Covid-19 I know that Neighbourhood Watch has taken on an even greater role, especially for those people who’ve found themselves isolated from friends and family due to lockdown restrictions. I know West Yorkshire Police very much appreciate and welcome the work of Neighbourhood Watches and we are currently looking at what extra support we can offer to recognise some of issues we can address to help make their life a little easier. I will be looking to engage with our NHWs very soon regarding more ways to help support and develop them.
“I have no doubt that NHW will continue to grow and make a real difference in our communities so here’s to 35 years and many many more, thank you!”
To find out more about joining or setting up a Neighbourhood Watch group then please visit West Yorkshire Police’s website policingandcrime@westyorks-ca.gov.uk or ring 101 and ask to speak to your Force Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator.
