I can’t help!
Of course, you can help! Our members are of every age group, income bracket, race and gender. Any household in our area can join. If you are unable to formally patrol, you can be the “eyes and ears” of security in your everyday living. Your annual financial contribution towards the upkeep of our camera system is enough for many of our members.
It’s far too dangerous.
We act as “eyes and ears” only for the police and security services. As a neighbourhood watch member, you are not expected to intervene in any dangerous situations.
I don’t have the time!
You can volunteer to do patrols day or night, weekdays or weekends. A lot of our members run their own businesses, consultancies and guesthouses and still take the time to look after YOUR house! Patrol times are flexible and you can choose when it suits you. Give something back to your community.
I don’t want my husband patrolling at night and leaving me alone!
Why don’t you patrol with your husband as a team? Or patrol with a friend while your spouse takes care of the kids, and then swap out on the next duty and let him or her patrol with a friend.
I’m too old!
You’re never too old! Many of our members are pensioners and some are extremely active in both patrolling and administrative roles.
I don’t need the Neighbourhood Watch as I live in a secure estate
Neighbourhood Watch helps to maintain the status of your area by discouraging crime in other parts of the valley. Living in a secure estate is no guarantee that you won’t be a victim of crime. It’s not only about your walled complex – Neighbourhood Watch is about the neighbouring areas too!
I’ve been living here for twenty years and never had a problem…
You’re very lucky, but that’s no guarantee that it will always be like that. As time progresses your odds are reducing at a fast pace. Perpetrators of home attacks and burglaries have become more brazen.
Crime is down at the moment – so why join the Watch now?
Crime isn’t “down” – sometimes it merely moves to adjacent suburbs that are considered easier targets. We’re being watched, and if we relax our vigilance and commitment crime will return
I pay my taxes… the police are supposed to protect me
Yes… and they do. But they’re also struggling with reduced budgets, insufficient manpower and inadequate equipment, so they sometimes find it difficult to be everywhere at once.
I’m out of town a lot…
While you’re away your neighbours look after your property. So any help you can give us while you’re here is much appreciated.