§ Mr. Hirstasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement about the operation of neighbourhood watch schemes.
§ Mr. Giles ShawNeighbourhood watch provides an important stimulus for community involvement in practical crime prevention and I am encouraged by its continued expansion. Some 8,000 individual schemes are now operating in England and Wales, and more are planned. Schemes which are properly designed and carefully introduced can reduce local crime. The results of detailed evaluations of neighbourhood watch schemes in the Metropolitan police district, which we expect towards the end of the year, should provide further information on how to obtain the full benefit of this valuable crime prevention initiative.