Crime prevention advice

Published: 09 October 2025

Neighbourhood Watch

Neighbourhood Watch is about people getting together with their neighbours to take action to reduce crime.

They're community initiatives owned and run by their members which are supported by the police but not owned by them, although we sometimes run them.

They work by developing a close relationship between community members and the local police.

Neighbourhood Watch schemes can:

• cut crime and the opportunities for crime
• help and reassure those who live in the area
• encourage neighbourliness and closer communities

How to join a Watch scheme

Go to Essex County Neighbourhood Watch Association to find out about Neighbourhood Watch schemes in Essex.

You can also find and contact your local Neighbourhood Watch Association or scheme coordinator via the same website for:

• more information on how the scheme works
• the benefits of the scheme
• advice on running a scheme in your local area