Bolton residents have been urged to get involved with a volunteer scheme designed to make communities safer.
The Neighbourhood Watch was first established in the UK in 1982 and has since become the country’s largest volunteer movement.
Groups work with the police, their local council and other agencies to report crime, identify specific problems in their area and support vulnerable neighbours.
Evidence shows that the Neighbourhood Watch model has a significant impact on community safety as residents are more alert to signs of crime, are better informed about how best to report it and look out for one another.
Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, Cllr Nadim Muslim, said:
“The Neighbourhood Watch is a great example of how local people and the police can work together to protect our communities.
“In Bolton we already work closely with a number of Neighbourhood Watch groups, but I would like to see even more.
“Smartphone technology has changed the way that we as residents can report crime, communicate with the police and help make our streets safer.
“I’d urge everyone to look at how The Neighbourhood Watch has changed and to consider setting up a scheme in their local area.
As a council, community safety is one of our top priorities.
“As a council, community safety is one of our top priorities.
“We offer a wide range of support and advice, from sharing best practice to allocating £3,500 to each ward to fund local community safety projects.”
To learn more about The Neighbourhood Watch, and to register your interest, visit ourwatch.org.uk.
For more information, visit the council's community safety page.