Locks and Security News: your weekly locks and security industry newsletter
17th April 2024 Issue no. 701

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Pseudo Neighbourhood/Home Watch Network

Information has been received from the Neighbourhood and Home Watch Network, concerning a website purporting to be Neighbourhood Watch.

The website is called www.nhwo.co.uk and was launched on 14th December 2011. The website is not supported by nor has links to the Neighbourhood and Home Watch Network. The marketing of the site is pitched to NhW members to register their scheme and obtain membership resources. They are marketing a 'co-ordinators pack' at £39.99 which includes 2 street signs, stickers and a high visibility vest with Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator on the back. There is no mention of good practice; partnership working with the local police service or insurances.

Concern has been expressed over the lack of co-ordination of the schemes; the possible mis-use of the high visibility vest and the gathering of personal details including banking details from those who have signed up to the site and purchased materials.

Please be assured that for Neighbourhood Watch information you should visit the Kent Police website, www.wknwa.org for local news, or alternatively contact me, Suzanne Daniell - Neighbourhood Watch Liaison Officer, on 01732 379 373 and [email protected] for help with your local Neighbourhood Watch scheme.

(I suspect that there are some ne'er-do-wells who would purchase the 'co-ordinators pack' and then use it to present themslves as a person of authority to prey on vulnerable people.)

11th January 2012