§ Mr. LawrenceTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what reductions in levels of recorded crime have been achieved by the introduction of neighbourhood watch schemes.
§ Mr. JackThere are many factors that can have a bearing on changes in the level of recorded crime. However, in one carefully researched area in Kirkholt, Greater Manchester, it was demonstrated that neighbour hood watch was a major contributory factor in reducing the number of burglaries by 75 per cent. Similarly, in Wythenshawe, Manchester, following the introduction of neighbourhood watch on a large council estate the number of burglaries reduced by 25 per cent. and this fall has since been maintained. Studies elsewhere have shown that neighbourhood watch schemes have contributed to a reduction in crime and fear of crime. Data from the British crime survey have also shown that members of neighbourhood watch schemes are more likely than others to take crime prevention measures.