Neighbourhood watch review in North Lincs throws up some surprises
Many members of the public contributing to neighbourhood watch groups in North Lincolnshire do not know the identity of police community support officers in their area, a council report reveals today.
The review will be presented to top councillors in the controlling cabinet when they meet at Scunthorpe Civic Centre, off Ashby Road, from 5pm.
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What the review describes as "an alarming" 19% of neighbourhood watch respondents did not know the identity of their local Police Community Support Officer (PCSO).
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There are more than 160 neighbourhood watch groups across North Lincolnshire
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Councillor Trevor Foster, of Messingham, chairman of the North Lincolnshire scrutiny panel which looked into neighbourhood watch across the district
The responsibility for neighbourhood watch now rests with the council. Since the early 1980s it had been seen "as a
primarily police-led activity."
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A questionnaire was circulated to scores of neighbourhood watch co-ordinators on behalf of the council's scrutiny panel.
The review says that evidence from the questionnaire showed "an alarming" 19% of respondents did not know who their local Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) was.
And 29% of co-ordinators did not have their local PCSO's contact details.
More reassuringly, 96% of co-ordinators were aware of their local Neighbourhood Action Team (NAT).
However, 25% said they did not attend NAT meetings.
The council review was unable to identify the exact number of neighbourhood watch groups, but it is between 165 and 185. It was also unable to say with any certainty how many are currently active.
Members of the council's scrutiny panel were told North Lincolnshire has the most vibrant neighbourhood watch network in the Humberside area.
"Yet the panel was unable to determine if this was actually the case," says the report.
"This, therefore, led members to only one conclusion - that they could not prove that the current neighbourhood watch arrangements are effective, provide all co-ordinators with the support and information they need and ultimately whether it provides value for money."
However, it was unanimously agreed that all co-ordinators and groups should be applauded for the work they do on behalf of their local communities and it was hoped their "effort and endeavour would continue."
Neighbourhood watch co-ordinators distribute crime and community information leaflets to homes in their areas.
They also carry out regular crime reduction initiatives, such as property marking and the distribution of personal attack and burglar alarms.
Many groups support their communities in providing so-called youth diversionary projects, such as the Fairplay Football scheme on the Westcliff estate in Scunthorpe and in Winteringham, where the local watch group funds a worker for the youth club.
Scrutiny panel chairman Councillor Trevor Foster, of Messingham, says in his introduction to the review: "Neighbourhood Watch is undoubtedly thriving in North Lincolnshire and should continue to be actively encouraged."
Comments
by codhead61
Friday, July 13 2012, 5:39AM
“gordonio,Well theres a suprise,makes your statement bias then doesnt it,typical police attitude,ignorant,arrogant and unaccountable”
by MarkBird
Thursday, July 12 2012, 5:36PM
“I have nothing but the greatest respect for our PCSOs. Any time ive had cause to deal with them they've been superb. They do a very difficult job with decreasing resources it would now appear. I'd suggest, they require our support and respect.”
by gordonio
Thursday, July 12 2012, 10:06AM
“For your information codhead61, I worked more than 25 years for the Police, I am now retired, so do have an insight into the way this particular cookie crumbles. I am also English, (although perhaps to be PC British). I would also class buying a sandwich, drink for my break under the heading of 'shopping'. You lose any argument you may have by resorting to personal abuse!”
by johndebmax
Thursday, July 12 2012, 8:24AM
“When did you last see a copper walking the beat. They call it driving the beat now.No wonder no one knows their names.”
by Brian_Potter
Wednesday, July 11 2012, 8:11PM
“@codhead61
You're bang out of order there pal”
by Sparks2400
Wednesday, July 11 2012, 7:48PM
“Codhead61,
Assumptions, assumptions. Way off the Mark mate.”
by codhead61
Wednesday, July 11 2012, 4:53PM
“perhaps before you came to this country you should have learned to read properly,and "shopping" isnt buying a cup of tea and a sarny,prat”
by gordonio
Wednesday, July 11 2012, 11:26AM
“Why would they want to shelter from the rain if you only see them passing through your village in their car, was it an open top? They are allowed 'refs' you know to purchase a sandwich and have a cup of tea!”
by codhead61
Wednesday, July 11 2012, 7:17AM
“what about the local villages,people dont know the contact details of pcso"s because they are never seen,driving through the villages doesnt constitute a patrol, perhaps if they spent less time shopping at tesco when they should be serving the community,things would improve.so anyone needing to speak to them i suggebt they go to tesco,and wait in the car park,or go to ferry road station where youll find them sat on their backsides drinking tea and sheltering from the rain”
by gordonio
Tuesday, July 10 2012, 4:19PM
“I know this sounds very simplistic, but if you have any dealings with the Police, always make a note of their collar number.”