The Ideal Neighbourhood Support Group

The ideal Neighbourhood Support Group is one where members:

• Communicate with each other when they are going on holiday or leaving the house overnight.
• Meet regularly to discuss common concerns.
• Notify each other of anything suspicious that is currently happening in their neighbourhood.
• Respect each other's confidences.
• Offer support to any of their neighbours who have been victims.
• Keep each other informed of any criminal activity that has happened or is happening around their area.
• Are aware of any physical limitations that any neighbours may have (young children, disabled, elderly etc.).
• Are aware of the resources that are available within the neighbourhood.
• Have worked out how that will deal with various situations that may confront their community.
• Have arranged "emergency signals" and have rehearsed those signals. This is particularly useful for people living on their own.
• Notify the police of "suspicious behaviour" or any activity that threatens life or property.
• Take early positive action when required.
• Are aware of the safety of children on the street.
• Take basic crime prevention measures to secure their property.
• Upgrade security at times when premises are being vacated.
• Regularly update records of the neighbours within their group and pass them on to the neighbourhood support co-ordinator.
• Keep their group list with telephone numbers immediately on hand.