A SCHEME that has been in operation throughout the country for many years and which is as important today as it is ever been is Neighbourhood Watch (NHW).

I only became involved when I saw an article in the Mid-Devon Advertiser seeking support from residents and businesses.

Several of us attended a meeting and from that a scheme called Teignbridge and District Neighbourhood Watch was established.

The executive committee, for many years under the chairmanship of Geoff Hughes who saw membership grow to more than 280 wardens at its height, spread as far as Mortonhampstead, Exminster, Dawlish and Teignmouth.

Unfortunately, due to the passage of time and changes in how the scheme was expected to continue, Teignbridge NHW was disbanded but a new phoenix arose although it is now concentrated only on Newton Abbot and District.

Roy Stephenson is the coordinator for the new Newton Abbot and District,.

He told me: ‘NHW is an important part of the community.

‘We can’t get away from the fact that we live in a world where crime and anti-social behaviour happens.

‘It is just not possible to have a police officer or a PCSO standing on the corner of every street, so by setting up schemes such as NHW we not only help cut crime but also help to reduce the fear of crime, which is a major issue for a lot of people.

‘There are a lot of benefits of being a member of a pro-active scheme.

‘These include stopping or reducing opportunities for the criminals, making our families and our homes and the community in which we live that bit safer. Also helping to improve the social atmosphere and community spirit by bringing everyone together in a shared goal. NHW can also help to combat loneliness and improve people’s health and wellbeing.’

Now let’s look at how the Chief Constable, Shaun Sawyer, views NHW which, within Devon and Cornwall, falls under the umbrella of Devon and Cornwall Community Watch Association (DaCCWA).

To quote Shaun Sawyer: ‘The role of DaCCWA embodies the role of policing in that the public are the police and the police are the public.

‘Furthermore, we pride ourselves that in Devon and Cornwall we retain and nurture the notions of good citizenship and an inclusive society, where safety and combining our resources together is the obligation of all of us for the benefit of all.

‘Of course, in the 21st century this has developed into awareness, not only in the physical space but also the digital space.

‘Our awareness of safety relates not only to the prevention and detection of crime but also the safeguarding of a civil society and the need to watch out for some of the most vulnerable.

‘That concept of vulnerability can affect any person at any time and is not solely related to the very young or those who are infirm.

‘The exploiters approach is often insidious, built through friendships and trust, and can occur in what appear to be very transparent relationships yet result in abuse, ranging from physical and sexual harm but also fraud from personal bank accounts of an unprecedented magnitude.

‘DaCCWA is as relevant in the 21st century as it has ever been. It stands on the foundations of all that is good in our society and its values are true.

‘Its purpose, which seek to inspire stronger and more resilient communities capable of dealing with the threat from crime or natural disaster, is essential to me as Chief Constable and hopefully to you as well.’

And to quote newly re-elected Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez: ‘My first Police and Crime Plan, which was written after an extensive consultation with communities in Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, placed connectivity at its heart.

‘By working together, with police, councils, charities and each other, we can build stronger, more resilient communities.

‘Organisations like the Devon and Cornwall Community Watch Association share and promote values of good citizenship, community safety and public participation in the prevention and detection of crime.

‘The Devon and Cornwall Police force area is the largest in England and varied in its composition of villages, towns, cities and rural areas.

‘The force area is now among the safest in England and Wales. Our police force has not achieved that in isolation. Hard-working and community-minded volunteers have played a vital role.

‘I am proud to support community watch, would urge others to get involved and look forward to seeing it continue to flourish so our wonderful part of the world becomes even safer.’

Anyone interested in becoming part of this important scheme is welcome to contact me and I will put them in touch with the relevant coordinator.