The first Neighbourhood Watch scheme under Operation Target, which is being funded by the Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC), has been launched in the Pineham Lock area of Northampton.

PFCC Stephen Mold joined the Chair of Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) Alan Earle, and Local Policing Area Commander, Superintendent Kevin Mulligan to meet members from the newly registered scheme to hear about how the money awarded is being used to improve safety in the area.

Crime prevention literature and window stickers have been delivered to residents and street signs have been erected to deter criminals from operating in the area. Members are being registered on the NHW database so that regular dialogue can begin within the community.

Residents are also being encouraged to join Neighbourhood Alert to keep up to date with relevant information from the police about what is happening in their area.

The Northamptonshire Neighbourhood Watch Association was awarded £9,500 for Operation Target, which aims to reduce crime and build stronger and safer communities in crime hot spot areas by establishing Neighbourhood Watch schemes.

PFCC Stephen Mold said: “I’m really pleased to be able to provide funding for initiatives such as this and I hope people living in areas which will benefit from new schemes do make use of all of the tools NHW are able to offer to feel safe where they live”.

Local Policing Area Commander, Superintendent Kevin Mulligan said: “The recent unauthorised encampment and a number of incidents of anti-social behaviour in the Pineham Lock area brought the local Neighbourhood Policing Team and the community together, and it was important that residents felt a sense of community and safety going forward.”

There are over 1200 Neighbourhood Watch schemes in Northamptonshire, with over 40,000 members.

Northamptonshire Neighbourhood Watch Chair, Alan Earle said: “All our Schemes are important in helping not only reduce crime and the fear of crime, but in building stronger and safer communities.

“Pineham Lock is a good example of this, where the community is coming together after recent events, and the residents are working towards a common goal of making their community a safer place to live. We know in other areas in the town, a well-run Scheme, that has a good relationship with the Neighbourhood Policing Team, has reduced crime by over 30%”.

Anyone who wishes to join Neighbourhood Watch can do so by visiting www.northantsnhw.co.uk, click  ‘Join us’ and follow the instructions to join your local scheme.

Picture shows: Supt Kevin Mulligan, PCSO Lee Shelton, Pineham Lock NHW Coordinator Kristi Alibone, a Pineham Lock resident and PFCC Stephen Mold.