§ Dr. MarekTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of neighbourhood watch schemes. [63420]
§ Mr. BoatengThe most recent research was a survey of 120 neighbourhood watch co-ordinators from a representative range of police force areas in England and Wales carried out in 1997. This concluded that neighbourhood watches could be a useful aid to the police but also identified areas of potential improvement, for example, the need to involve young people more in neighbourhood watch work. The Home Office and the National Neighbourhood Watch Association are working jointly to achieve these improvements.
§ Dr. MarekTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of neighbourhood watch schemes, with particular reference to security for the elderly. [63421]
§ Mr. BoatengA survey of 120 neighbourhood watch scheme co-ordinators from a representative range of police force areas in England and Wales was carried out in 1997. Guidance subsequently issued to neighbourhood watch co-ordinators emphasises the need to address personal safety issues, including those of the elderly.
I recently attended the National Neighbourhood Watch and was pleased to see that the National award was won by Wrexham Neighbourhood Watch Action and Advice Unit. As one of its diverse activities, it gives special help to the elderly and its example will be used to promote good practice within the neighbourhood watch movement.