HC Deb 03 May 1990 vol 171 cc656-7W
22. Mr. Norris

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many neighbourhood watch schemes are now established in England and Wales.

47. Miss Emma Nicholson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many neighbourhood watch schemes are now established in England and Wales.

Mr. John Patten

At the end of December 1989 there were estimated to be over 81,000 neighbourhood watch schemes in England and Wales, compared to 64,000 at the end of December 1988, an increase of 26.5 per cent.

46. Mr. Colin Shepherd

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many neighbourhood watch schemes are now in operation; and what assessment he has recently made as to their effectiveness in crime prevention.

Mr. John Patten

At the end of December 1989 there were estimated to be over 81,000 neighbourhood watch schemes in England and Wales.

Studies have shown that neighbourhood watch schemes, where carefully designed and implemented, have contributed to a reduction in crime and fear of crime in some areas. It has also been shown that members of neighbourhood watch schemes are more likely than others to take crime prevention measures and to report suspicious incidents to the police; and they appreciate a greater sense of security.