A Solihull Man Helps Develop a Real Sense of Community in his Neighbourhood

Those who have experienced burglary know only too well what an emotional rollercoaster it is and how hard it can be to get beyond the shock, fear and anger that it has happened. However the Solihull Neighbourhood Team have shared the experience of one man to inspire the rest of us. Soon after receiving the report of a burglary, response offices attended and carried out local enquiries, including House-to-House and visiting shops to check whether any CCTV footage was available. Forensic Scene of Crime officers attended the next day as arranged and conducted a through scene examination. The man's subsequent feedback was how interested in his situation and professional the officers were.

The man approached a Local Neighbourhood Officers the next day and asked for some advice on crime prevention. The Officer arranged a re-visit to the man's address by PCSO Tom Attwood to advise specifically on crime prevention tailored to the victim's needs.  During the visit the victim was encouraged to set up a Neighbourhood Watch in the area, which he thought would benefit the area but he had not known how to progress this. The man thought PCSO Attwood was very informative and helpful in setting up a scheme locally.

The man also had a phone call from an Officer from the Local Investigation Team a week after the crime updating him on the enquiries made and although his property was never recovered the victim was pleased to have been kept informed and felt that the Police has done all that they could.

Meanwhile the new Neighbourhood Watch scheme now has about 25 active members (though this continues to grow) and the Co-ordinator states that it has really brought the community together stating, "Neighbours that have lived near each other for years have a close relationship and talk to each other". The group meet monthly in a room provided at a local Pub where they talk about local issues and occasionally have a beverage!

The Neighbourhood Watch members forum are organising a Diamond Jubilee Street Party, which is something that has never happened before in the history of the road. There is a real sense of community that has developed as a result of the Neighbourhood Watch.  The Neighbourhood Watch Group and Co-ordinator have regular updates from the partnerships team via E Mail and still have a close relationship with their local PCSO.

Inspector 1204 Darren Wilson states, "This is a great example of good service from local Police. A member of the community has sought to positively improve the neighbourhood in which he lives. The benefits of which are already being felt locally. Having met the victim I was totally impressed with his enthusiasm and can understand why he is held in such high regard locally as the NHW coordinator."

If you are interested in setting up a Neighbourhood Watch in your area you can contact PC Helen Russell at Solihull Police Station between 8-4 on Telephone 101 Ext. 7921 6591.