A new voluntary crime prevention initiative is enabling local people to take an active role in keeping their communities safe.
Street Watch is a community scheme run in partnership with Nottinghamshire Police to enhance local safety and tackle low-level issues affecting neighbourhoods.
Volunteers walk in pairs wearing high-visibility vests and are encouraged to report incidents of suspicious activity, including criminal damage, antisocial behaviour, graffiti, and fly-tipping.
Highlighted issues can then be passed on directly to neighbourhood teams, who can allocate officers and resources more effectively to tackle local concerns.
All Street Watch volunteers take part in a training and induction session and are regularly supported by the force’s neighbourhood teams.
They are required to volunteer two hours per month as part of their Street Watch role, which are flexible around availability.
The scheme is open to anyone aged 18 and over who is interested in improving their community.
Members will be accompanied on their first walk by a neighbourhood officer, and each group is supported by a dedicated PCSO who liaises with volunteers.
Having previously operated as a pilot programme, Street Watch has now officially launched, and more members of the public are being encouraged to get involved.
The scheme has more than 20 active groups and has recently reached a significant milestone, surpassing 100 total volunteers.
Street Watch is available across Nottingham and all Nottinghamshire towns and villages, including Mansfield, Beeston, Arnold, Ashfield, Mapperley, Newark, West Bridgford, Worksop and city suburbs including St Ann’s, Wollaton, Sneinton, Radford, Lenton, Basford, and Hyson Green, amongst many other locations.
PCSO Megan Tuffley, of Nottinghamshire Police’s Street Watch team, said: “Volunteers are often at the heart of our communities and their dedication, passion, and willingness to give their time makes a huge difference every single day.
“They provide crucial support to us by helping to deter crime, sharing local intelligence, and building trust within their communities.
“Street Watch enables members of the public to play an active role in supporting the safety and wellbeing of their local area.
“Volunteers often become aware of neighbourhood issues before they are formally reported, and this initiative helps strengthen communication between residents and the police, contributing to a clearer understanding of local concerns.
“Street Watch complements the existing high-visibility and plain-clothes patrols conducted by our neighbourhood officers and helps to improve the quality and timeliness of community reporting.”
PCSO Tuffley added: “The Street Watch scheme operates independently from established Neighbourhood Watch groups and focuses on enhancing security, vigilance, and awareness of crime prevention.
“Members provide reassurance through their presence, act as points of contact within the community, and help build stronger links among residents.
“Ultimately, Street Watch is about residents supporting their own communities, and I’d urge anyone who would like to be involved to get in touch.
“If you’ve ever thought about volunteering, now is the time to join us and help make a difference!”
Residents interested in volunteering for Street Watch or finding out more information should email: streetwatch@notts.police.uk
Street Watch has been created in partnership with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire.
Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden said: “Street Watch is a fantastic example of how communities and policing can work hand in hand to make neighbourhoods safer.
“By empowering residents to be extra eyes and ears in their local area, this scheme helps tackle low-level crime and antisocial behaviour before issues escalate.
“It strengthens the vital link between the public and neighbourhood policing teams, improves the flow of information, and provides visible reassurance to residents.”
