NEXT week is National Neighbourhood Watch Week – a celebration of one of the biggest and most successful crime prevention schemes in the UK.

Neighbourhood Watch Week, which runs from Saturday June 18 to Sunday June 26 aims to encourage communities across Essex to come together to reduce crime by joining a scheme where they live.

Neighbourhood Watch aims to help people protect themselves and their property and make their community a better place to live by developing close links between Essex Police and local residents.

There are several hundred Neighbourhood Watch groups in Essex with more than 8,000 volunteer co-ordinators covering around 40 per cent of homes in the county.

Each group works to reduce crime in their area by encouraging a neighbourly spirit whereby people look after themselves and others in their area in a bid to make a difference.

The scheme gives members advice on crime prevention and home security, reducing the opportunities for crime and anti-social behaviour to occur in local areas.

Chairman of Essex County Neighbourhood Watch Association Alan Johnson said: “Neighbourhood Watch’s main aim is to make communities feel safer. It provides a great opportunity for people to get involved in their communities and create community spirit.

“It opens the channel of communication between the police and neighbourhoods helping crimes be prevented and detected.

“During Neighbourhood Watch and Home Watch week we want to encourage more people to get involved as we are always looking for volunteers.

“If you are interested in getting involved in Neighbourhood Watch contact your local Neighbour Watch organisation or speak to one of your neighbourhood policing team.”

To find contact details for your local Neighbourhood Watch organisation visit ourwatch.org.uk

On the website, you’ll also find details of what’s happening where you live during National Neighbourhood Watch Week and be able to register to receive latest news.

You can find contact details for your local neighbourhood policing team by visiting essex.police.uk/myneighbourhoodand entering your postcode.