MALVERN residents can now join a virtual Neighbourhood Watch Group to receive vital police information as part of a new community safety scheme.
The newly-launched Communities Together Scheme will allow members to receive updates about police patrols, group meetings and surgeries, suspicious activity, witness appeals, crime prevention advice and more.
The scheme set up by Malvern and Upton Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) and supported by Malvern Hills District Council (MHDC) has been created in response to an increase in the presence of ‘Nottingham Knockers’ and ‘Rogue Traders’.
These individuals often target vulnerable community members, engaging in oppressive and coercive behaviour to exploit them.
The virtual Neighbourhood Watch Group has been set up within the Neighbourhood Matters platform – a website used by police to provide updates for the community – tailored to specific areas.
Residents who are unfamiliar or do not have access to technology will receive a comprehensive booklet with advice along with a ‘No Cold Callers’ window sticker, produced by Malvern SNT and MHDC.
The Fruitlands Estate in Great Malvern has been chosen as a primary focus for the launch of the scheme due to its frequent targeting by ‘Nottingham Knockers’ and its existing strong community.
PC Jo Tredwell, from West Mercia Police, said: “This collaborative effort encourages neighbours to look out for each other, engage with the local policing team, and share information in order to raise collective awareness.
“The scheme seeks to create a safer and stronger environment for everyone.”
Sgt Geraint Perkins, from Malvern and Upton Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “The Communities Together Scheme is an important step forward in ensuring the safety and well-being of our communities.
“Together, we can make a difference and create a community that is united in safeguarding its members.”
Coun Natalie McVey, Malvern Hills District Council’s portfolio holder for housing and health, with responsibility for community safety, said the authority was pleased to be offering support to such an important scheme.
“Raising awareness of such things as scams, crime trends and suspicious activity, is the first step in helping to reduce crime and protect the wellbeing of our residents,” she added.
E-mail the Malvern Hills District Council Community Safety Team at [email protected] for advice and support on setting up a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme.
