§ Mr. Soleyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will provide for the latest convenient date, a table indicating neighbourhood watch schemes currently operating in each London borough;
(2) how many neighbourhood watch schemes are currently operating in London.
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§ Mr. Giles ShawI understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that, at the end of December 1984 the latest date for which collated information is available, there were 1,282 neighbourhood watch schemes operating within the Metropolitan police district. A breakdown of the number in each London borough and in other areas within the Metropolitan police district is currently being prepared and I will arrange for this information to be sent to the hon. Member as soon as it is available.
§ Mr. Hillasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to promote the development of neighbourhood watch schemes to combat crime and vandalism and, in particular, intimidation of old people.
§ Mr. Giles ShawThe introduction of neighbourhood watch or any other crime prevention scheme receiving police support is a matter for the chief officer of police of the area concerned. The Home Office crime prevention unit and the Home Office crime prevention centre, Stafford, have issued joint guidance for police forces introducing neighbourhood watch schemes, and we are providing forces with publicity material to support such schemes.