Neighbourhood Watch Schemes Launched In Co L'Derry

Five new neighbourhood watch schemes have recently been launched in Dungiven, County Londonderry.

A partnership between police, members of the local community and council, the schemes aim to reduce the fear of crime and help residents protect themselves and their property.

The new programmes will cover the Ardnasmoll, Finvola Park, Ranny Glass, Glenroe Park and Curragh Road areas and will complement the existing scheme at Glenhaven on the outskirts of the town.  

The launch was attended by members of the Causeway Coast and Glens Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP), the PSNI and 12 new local scheme co-ordinators.

Vice Chairperson of the Causeway Coast and Glens PCSP Anthony McPeake commented: "I am delighted to see the enthusiasm and very proactive commitment of our 12 new neighbourhood coordinators in a bid to help reduce fears and deal with local concerns relating to the security and safety of the residents within the neighbourhood watch network."

Neighbourhood watch is simply about being a good neighbour and looking out for one another. A representative is selected from the community to be the co-ordinator and they will liaise with relevant agencies on the community's behalf and share relevant information and advice with their scheme householders. When a scheme is first accredited, signage will be put up to indicate the scheme is in operation – this in itself serves as a deterrent to would-be criminals.

Community Planning Sergeant Darrell McIvor added: "It is fantastic to see so many people interested in the Neighbourhood Watch scheme. Neighbourhood Watch is about communities and policing working actively together to promoting safety and well-being and making sure that no one has to feel afraid, vulnerable or isolated in the place where they live."

The new projects join the 55 schemes and 81 co-ordinators already operating in the council area, covering approximately 5,117 households. They facilitate effective communication between residents and police, with local co-ordinators acting as a primary point of contact.