Harrington and Thorpe Underwood Neighbourhood Watch

This letter is addressed to the residents of the Parishes of Harrington and Thorpe Underwood regarding the proposed future operation of Neighbourhood Watch.

Mike Blissett has for many years acted as Neighourhood watch Scheme Co-ordinator for the two villages but now has decided to relinquish these duties. Largely due to his personal efforts and commitment and those of his deputies, Harrington and Thorpe Underwood NHW has become a very effective link between Police and Community and we think him for all his time and endeavours. He will be a hard act to follow - but follow we will.

The Neighbourhood Watch Scheme operates through the sharing of Police information with the community members via the co-ordinators, and coversely, passing back information to the Police from the members. The NHW Scheme also takes part in crime reduction and prevention initiatives aimed at reducing vulnerability to crime and disorder and addressing local fear of crime matters.

The continued success of any local NHW Scheme depends upon a wide and participating membershi,p effective Scheme Co-ordinators and Deputy Co-ordinators, so that information to and from the Police can be disseminated rapidly. The Police have recently appointed a new Community Watch Liaison Officer, Luisa Jepson. who reports to our previous contact, Simon Peck -
Community Safety Officer.

1 have offered my services as Co-ordinator and Elaine Warren has done likewise. We have met with the Community Watch Liaison Officer and the outcome is that we will continue to be responsible for the operation of the scheme. During the next few weeks we will:

• Contact existing participating members end reconfirm names, addresses, telephone numbers and fax contact numbers and email addresses. This will be by phone, email or a visit.
  
• Contact residents who have not been participants and invite them to strengthen the Scheme by joining. New members' names, addresses. tel and fax contact numbers, and email addresses will be requested.
  
• Contact members who are prepared to be assistant Co-ordinators (probably about 6 people), and who are willing to make the odd phone call to other nominated members to disseminate information quickly. i.e. the pyramid effect

When these actions are substantially complete we will arrange a review meeting in the Village Hall, our target date being by early July 2005. We will invite Luisa Jepson, our Community Watch Liaison Officer, and a Local Community Police Officer, to tell us more about their activities with NHW and how it helps their fight against crime.

A few final points:
I do hope that you will support NHW by active participation - there is no formal subscription but many insurance companioes do allow a premium discount. The contact information taht you provide is key to fast and effective communication but will be treated as confidential and used only fopr NHW business and not divulged to others.

Regards

Tel/fax 01536 713651
email: AlanRowlett@aol.com
file NHW - ltr to Residents 200405

Alan Rowlett
20th April 2005