Watch relaunch

SIR – Was it you? The other week whilst waiting at the bus stop, I overheard a group of people discussing an incident that had occurred in their neighbourhood. It seemed that they were concerned with the wanton damage being done by some irresponsible peop

SIR - Was it you? The other week whilst waiting at the bus stop, I overheard a group of people discussing an incident that had occurred in their neighbourhood.

It seemed that they were concerned with the wanton damage being done by some irresponsible people, but were unsure how to deal with it. The usual comments were passed: "where are the police?" and "time somebody did something about it".

Well there is someone who can do something about it - YOU - by becoming an observant person, getting together with your neighbours, and discussing the problem with your local community police officer.

Better still why not take part in your local Neighbourhood Watch scheme, this will enable you to receive communications from the police information centre on things that are happening and the precautions you can take.

Where there is a registered NHW Street then signs are erected, and have proven to be a deterrent to would be wrongdoers.

It was back in the 1980s that Neighbourhood Watch became a household name, but sadly due to misadministration the organisation went into disarray, this leaving many of the groups floundering. The chief constable of Hertfordshire noted this failure of a valuable resource, and in 2005 he instructed members of his team to call together members of the community to a meeting. At this meeting a new Neighbourhood Watch structure was introduced, allowing organised groups to meet with their community police officer on a regular basis.

This was the start of the newly formed St Albans District Neighbourhood Watch, with responsible members of the community taking up the roles of ward, area and street coordinators. It is an organisation, of members of the community, who are determined, in conjunction with the police, to reduce crime and unruly behaviour in their neighbourhood

There are a number of vacancies for coordinators (voluntary) - if you can help in any way please give us a ring on 01727 796087 or email Reginald.law991@ntlworld.com. Don't be shy, do it now.

REG LAW

Thirlmere Drive

St Albans