Joining a Community Watch scheme in West Lancashire is a valuable way to contribute to the safety and wellbeing of your neighbourhood. While there isn't a single, centralised application process, the following steps outline how to get involved.
Firstly, it's important to understand the context. West Lancashire has a population of 121,995 and a crime rate of 70.1 per 1,000 residents. This is notably lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, and coupled with a safety score of 84 out of 100 (compared to the UK average of 79), suggests a generally safe area. However, Community Watch schemes play a crucial role in maintaining this positive trend.
Finding a Local Scheme: The first step is to identify if a Community Watch scheme already operates in your area. Lancashire Police actively supports and facilitates these schemes. You can check the Lancashire Police website for a list of existing schemes or contact them directly to enquire about local initiatives.
Contacting Lancashire Police: The most reliable route is to contact the West Lancashire Neighbourhood Policing Team. They can advise on existing schemes or assist in establishing a new one if there isn't one in your area. You can find their contact details on the Lancashire Police website.
Starting a New Scheme (if none exists): If no scheme exists, you can initiate one. Lancashire Police will provide guidance and support. This involves gathering interest from neighbours, identifying key concerns, and establishing a committee. Police officers will attend initial meetings to provide advice on crime prevention and observation techniques.
Requirements & Training: There are no formal requirements to join, but participants are expected to be reliable, observant, and committed to working with the police. Basic crime prevention awareness and communication skills are beneficial. Training is typically provided by Lancashire Police, covering topics such as observation, reporting procedures, and personal safety.
Important Considerations: Community Watch schemes operate as the 'eyes and ears' of the police, reporting suspicious activity. It is crucial to remember that participants should not intervene in incidents but should instead observe, record details, and report them promptly to the police. Your involvement contributes to a safer West Lancashire for everyone.