February 2007

Dear Resident

You are probably aware that Warwickshire Police has recently introduced Safer Neighbourhood Policing. As part of this initiative the majority of the old Police beats of Milverton and Victoria have been amalgamated to form the new Milverton Ward, the boundary of which is based on the District Council Ward.

Neighbourhood Policing is intended to address the broader aims of citizen focus and to encourage public choice of policing priorities, participation and ownership of solutions by providing a clear line of communication from residents and local action groups to the Warwick District Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership, which is where the statutory duty, strategic and financial responsibility rests.

Some years ago Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators on the old Milverton Police beat formed the Milverton Neighbourhood Watch Association which meets bi-monthly on the third Tuesday of the month at Brookhurst Primary School. Our meetings are attended by about 20 co-ordinators, the local Police Officer and Councillors. A member of this Association will represent Neighbourhood Watch on the Milverton Neighbourhood Action Group.

Neighbourhood Watch is a popular way for people of all ages and backgrounds to get involved in local community safety issues. This usually begins with people sharing crime prevention advice and activities, keeping an eye on each other’s property, improving home security and building two-way communication with the police. By becoming a member of a Neighbourhood Watch scheme you can help the police and your neighbours to strengthen your community.

Hopefully you will want to find out more about Neighbourhood Watch, with a view to setting up a scheme if there is not an active one already in your area. A properly organised scheme means that no one person becomes inundated with tasks, so do not be put off by the prospect of having to find yet more free time before getting involved.

If you are interested in joining a scheme, or setting one up, I should be grateful if you would contact me by e-mail.

Kate Evans Chair – Milverton Neighbourhood Watch Association

E-mail k.evans9@ntlworld.com