§ 15. Sir John Osbornasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what evidence he has of the effect of neighbourhood watch schemes on the level of crime; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HurdNeighbourhood watch schemes vary considerably in size, scope and in the commitment of their members. Their effects will inevitably also vary considerably. A good deal of material is now to hand suggesting that some neighbourhood watch schemes are effective in reducing crime while others reduce the fear of crime and increase social cohesion. We shall continue to encourage the remarkable growth of these schemes.
§ 23. Mr. Hannamasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many neighbourhood watch schemes now exist; and what were the corresponding figures for each of the preceding three years.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggThere are now over 29,500 neighbourhood watch schemes in existence in England and Wales. This compares with some 14,500 schemes in June 1986, some 3,000 schemes in June 1985 and about 1,000 schemes in June 1984.