Newry and Mourne Community Partnership and Newry and Mourne District Policing Partnership recently joined forces with their counterparts in Down District to host their joint Neighbourhood Watch Conference in the Slieve Donard Resort and Spa, Newcastle for co-ordinators from across both district council areas.

The conference gave co-ordinators the opportunity to come together to share their experiences and good practice, building closer links between Neighbourhood Watch schemes in both council areas ahead of the merger under the Review of Public Administration.

Chairman of Down District Council, Councillor William Dick opened the conference, “Neighbourhood Watch is one of our most successful community engagement programmes, and working directly with the local community has proven invaluable in reducing crime and the fear of crime. I would like to both congratulate and praise our co-ordinators for their commitment to Neighbourhood Watch, and for the great work they do on behalf of our local communities

Speaking at the conference, Chair of Newry and Mourne Community Safety Partnership, Mr Martin McDade also thanked the co-ordinators for their time and commitment, and commented on the important role that Neighbourhood Watch plays within community safety. Mr McDade added that he hoped co-ordinators found the conference enjoyable, and the advice and information of value to their Neighbourhood Watch activities.

Neighbourhood Watch is a partnership between local communities and the Police, supported by the local Community Safety Partnership and District Policing Partnership. The scheme aims to help people to protect themselves and their property and to reduce the fear of crime. Neighbourhood Watch brings people closer together, develops a stronger community spirit and promotes confidence within communities that something positive is being done to prevent local crime and improve the qu ality of life in the area.

For further information on Neighbourhood Watch schemes, or to get one set up in your area, please contact Newry and Mourne Community Safety Partnership on 028 3031 3031.