Belfast's first neighbourhood watch scheme gets underway

Police in Castlereagh today launched their first ever Neighbourhood Watch scheme in the Greater Belfast area.

The scheme, in conjunction with the Ballyhanwood and Mann's Road Schemes, aim to bring “greater comfort and reassurance to residents, as well as helping to improve quality of life and reduce the fear of crime”.

Police say the scheme is a simple model, which gives local communities an opportunity to actively contribute towards, and take some responsibility for making the area in which they live a safer place.

Welcoming the launch, Inspector Stephen Addley said: "The quality of life for many people is coloured by their perception of safety, for themselves, their families and their neighbours.

"Neighbourhood Watch gives everybody a chance to get involved in making their area a safer place. While we and other agencies are here to provide guidance and support, the schemes are community driven, empowering local people to come together in a structured way to try and deal with the issues that are important to them."

Residents taking part in the scheme are known as Community Partners who nominate an individual to act as co-ordinator for their area and to liaise between the local scheme, the police and other relevant agencies.

The scheme being launched in Northern Ireland is supported by the Community Safety Unit and the Northern Ireland Policing Board.

(MB/SP)