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WORTHING & DISTRICT NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH ASSOCIATION
The Worthing and District NW Association encompasses all the wards within the Worthing Borough Council area together with the parishes of Findon and Ferring, located within the boundaries of the West Downs Division of Sussex Police. It operates by linking individual members through a network of Co-ordinators running street schemes supported by
area Co-ordinators in direct contact with the Crime Prevention Co-ordinator attached to West Downs Division of
Sussex Police.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE ASSOCIATION
| 1984 |
Neighbourhood Watch was established in the Worthing area. The local newspaper,
the Worthing Herald, was instrumental in promoting Neighbourhood Watch in those
early days and they personalised it 'Crime Alert'. Residents were invited to
complete application forms within the newspaper to become Co-ordinators and set
up schemes in their area.
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| 1987 |
A meeting was held at Worthing Town Assembly Rooms and Co-ordinators from the 600
schemes attended and listened to presentations by the then Worthing Police
Superintendent Dick Terry and others
including Professor Hussain, a representative from the national organisation of Crime Concern.
At that time Worthing had more Neighbourhood Watch Schemes than any other town in the United Kingdom.
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| 1991 |
Sussex Police appointed a full time civilian Crime Prevention Co-ordinator whose main purpose was to set up
Neighbourhood Watch Schemes and provide the communication links between the Police and Neighbourhood Watch
members. |
| 1992 |
On the 12th March, a meeting of local Co-ordinators was called to discuss the feasibility of forming an Association
linking all the schemes in the Worthing area. A steering committee was appointed and on the 24th June 1992 the
Inaugural Meeting of the Worthing and District Neighbourhood Watch Association was held. |
| 2003 |
Following
reorganisation of the operational divisions of Sussex Police, the
Association became part of the West Downs Group of Neighbourhood Watch
covering the county from Chichester in the west to Fishersgate on the
borders of Hove in the east. |
OBJECTIVES AND
BENEFITS
The main objectives include:-
- Promoting home security and other measures which reduce the opportunities for crime to be committed.
- Fostering communications between members and the police.
- Encouraging members to be alert and vigilant and more observant during their normal daily lives.
- Watching over the vulnerable to prevent them from being victims of crime.
- Reducing the fear of crime amongst all members of the community - from the youngest to the oldest.
The benefits are both substantial and worthwhile including:-
- A marked reduction in local crime - burglary, car theft, graffiti, and vandalism.
- Advice on security matters and information re local crime is available.
- A reduction in the cost of premiums is given by many insurance companies for house and contents insurance.
- An improved quality of life and community spirit. Peace of mind knowing that you live in a caring community.
- An opportunity to attend meetings and presentations on matters of local
crime prevention concern.
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