HC Deb 31 March 1994 vol 240 c933W
Mr. Llwyd

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many neighbourhood watch schemes were initiated in each year since 1989.

Mr. Charles Wardle

The year-on-year increases in the number of neighbourhood watch schemes in England and Wales in the years since 1989 have been 11,000 in 1990, 8,000 in 1991, 15,000 in 1992 and 15,000 in 1993.

Mr. Llwyd

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many neighbourhood watch schemes there are in operation; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Charles Wardle

At the end of December 1993 there were estimated to be over 130,000 neighbourhood watch schemes in England and Wales covering over 5 million households. These schemes are an excellent way in which the public can assist the police in the fight against crime.