Timescale
A Neighbourhood Watch scheme has been in existence in Gayton for many years and with the support of the residents will continue indefinitely.

Accountability

  • Chairman - Geoff Wood
  • NHW Co-ordinators
    • Joan Adams
    • John Allen
    • Jens Buus
    • Pat Byrom
    • Marion Cooper
    • Dennis Shaw
    • John Knight
    • Mark Moulton
    • Rita & Rod Poxon
    • Tony Rogers
    • Barry Steer.
  • Police Liaison Officer - Joan Wood.
  • We are accountable to the residents of Gayton.

Assumptions

  • That the risk of crime is ever present.
  • That the residents wish NHW to continue with its objectives.

Programme
The questionnaire revealed several areas of concern. The key areas with the percentage of residents expressing a view are shown below.

ADVICE GIVEN / ACTION ALREADY TAKEN

  • House burglary
    • Information, warnings, guide lines through Gayton News
    • Tell neighbours when going on holiday
    • Leave keys with a neighbour
    • Keep doors locked, even when in garden
    • Fit secure locks to doors and windows
    • Fit door chain
    • Install a burglar alarm
    • Install security lighting
    • Be on your guard against distraction burglars.
    • Keep look-out for strangers in the village
  • Vandalism
    • Defacement of village hall reported to police by NHW. Police came to the village and reprimanded those responsible.
  • Theft from out-buildings
    • Shed alarms have been widely offered. These are also suitable for garages and various out-buildings.
  • Theft from cars
    • Warnings given to lock possessions in the boot and keep doors locked.
  • Theft of cars
    • Warnings given to keep car doors locked.
  • Theft from gardens
    • Very few incidents reported. Shed alarms may prevent some garden thefts.
  • Drugs
    • Drugs hotline publicised. No other action taken.

GENERAL
In 1999, a well-advertised anti-crime Public Promotion evening was organised. Displays were set up in the village hall by a master locksmith, Newtech Alarms, a garden centre (thorny hedging plants), the police and NHW. Only one resident turned up!
A "ring-round" system between co-ordinators, either by telephone or e-mail, is in operation and residents are kept informed by word-of-mouth or e-mail. A police “Ring Master” scheme is now running. This offers a faster information process to our police liaison officer who also studies the police website regularly for locally interesting information and subsequent action. Reports, advice and information are regularly conveyed to everyone in the village via the Gayton News.

In order to tackle the above causes for concern, the questionnaire produced the following responses:

  • A special constable in the village - 57%
    • An entry advertising for a volunteer to be sent for inclusion in the Gayton News
    • Request more frequent visits to the village by police and Police Community Support Officers.
  • More street lighting - 50%
    • The police confirm there is no evidence that improved street lighting results in a reduction in crime (most burglaries take place in daytime) so this is not really a crime issue. Home security lighting is more of a deterrent. This Item has therefore been referred to the Environment Action Group.
  • Crime prevention/home security via NHW - 42%
    • The police say that the intruder alarm is the single most effective deterrent to house burglary and accordingly, co-ordinators will undertake a burglar alarm survey of the village. They will also promote the use of shed alarms for out-buildings where appropriate.
    • Theft from vehicles - The availability of security tax disc holders will be established by JK.

Criteria for Success
The plan will be considered successful if the residents are satisfied with what NHW is doing in its effort prevent and thereby reduce crime. Criminal activity, although not excessive in Gayton, will always be with us. There is, therefore, no completion date for this plan.