Latest News

June 2026

RNW has been operating in the village since 1988 – but, despite our best efforts to publicise what we do and what we are about, (including in this newsletter and putting information in our notice board in the precinct), it appears that some people still aren’t sure (and a few people don’t seem to have a clue!) So, for anyone who isn’t aware of ‘what we are about’, I hope the following will clarify the matter.  Apologies if you are already in the know, and to those who currently support us, or have done so in the past 37 years, many thanks indeed - your support is / has been very much appreciated.

AIMS OF NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

The overall aim of the NW movement is to bring neighbours together to create strong, friendly, active communities where crime and anti-social behaviour are less likely to happen. 

NW aims to help people protect themselves and their property, to reduce crime and the fear of crime, by means of home security and home safety awareness, greater vigilance, accurate reporting of suspicious incidents to the police and by fostering a community spirit.

NW is not a vigilante group, and we do not patrol the streets. We will inform the police (and / or other relevant agency) of any local concerns and encourage residents to do likewise - and then let the police etc. do their job. We will follow matters up where appropriate. We work closely with the police, the local councils (county, borough and parish) plus other support organisations. We will provide advice to residents on relevant matters (e.g. crime prevention issues) and / or will signpost to an appropriate agency / department where necessary.

To become a member of RNW and receive timely warnings / advice about crime in the village, you need someone to volunteer to be a Street Coordinator (SC) covering your property.  The main role of a SC is to pass messages issued by RNW, or occasionally literature, to their neighbours.  The number of properties they cover varies, many cover about a dozen properties (some a few less and some a lot more!). Also, if you are a member of a recognised NW scheme (which RNW is) some insurance companies give a reduction on your premium.  (Every little helps!)

CAN YOU HELP US PLEASE?

Are you the sort of person who is interested in doing your bit to keep your neighbours informed about local issues related to crime and how they can reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim? We are on the lookout for more people to become Street Coordinators. It is not an onerous task by any means - but could reap rewards, perhaps by preventing a crime or assisting in an offender being caught. (RNW will provide assistance to get you ‘up and running’ – including letters of introduction and window stickers for your neighbours).

RNW is determined to keep as many people as possible informed about crime-related and prevention issues, and not discriminate against those who are cannot, or choose not to, engage with the latest technology and / or social media outlets - it is about sharing information (fact, not rumours) with the community for the benefit of all. Those residents who do not have access to technology are often the more vulnerable amongst us. However, it is worth remembering that certain types of crime can affect any of us and, I believe, there are times when we can all benefit from a reminder of what is good practice – and what is not!

There are no meetings to attend; although you will be invited, along with all members, to our AGM (which I consider to be quite a social event rather than just a ‘boring meeting’ - we do try our best in this regard!)

If you are interested in helping us, or would like more information, please contact us via the details below.

CRIMES* REPORTED - 12.4.26 – 8.6.26       *Acquisitive Crime + Damage

(Excludes crimes of a domestic nature, neighbour / employment disputes, non-payment of goods, e.g. shop thefts)

Note: Advice relating to the security of caravans / motorhomes can be found on our website.

NEED SOMEONE TO DO A JOB, PROVIDE GOODS OR A SERVICE?

RNW and Trading Standards strongly advise to NEVER buy goods or services on the doorstep.

We recommend that you shop around, ask for recommendations from friends or family.  Alternatively, use the Trading Standards Approved ‘Buy With Confidence’ scheme (website: https://buywithconfidence.gov.uk) or the Citizens Advice Consumer Service (tel 0808 223 1133) – or other similar schemes such as:

TrustMark – the Government endorsed trader scheme (which also contains advice you should consider when hiring a tradesperson) – https://trustmark.org.uk/find-a-tradesman.

Which? Trusted Trader – https://trustedtraders.which.co.uk.

Ideally, get 3 quotes.

Now that the weather is (hopefully) improving, we may get an increase in the number of callers offering to do various tasks, e.g. driveways, roof work etc. Please bear the above in mind, and don’t believe everything you read on social media ... and don’t get caught out!

BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU LEAVE ON VIEW

As you may be aware, we do have vehicles being driven round the village on a fairly regular basis, the occupants of which are believed to be on the lookout for scrap metal (or anything else that happens to be lying around it seems). Please be vigilant and report any suspicious / criminal behaviour to the Police on 101 (or online) as soon as possible – especially if anyone removes any items from your property without permission, i.e. steals them, (regardless of value). If you can obtain a registration number, so much the better.

It is ALWAYS worth reporting such incidents to the police - so they are aware of what is going on, and if a registration number is provided, they can check the vehicle details on their systems and it may provide an opportunity for local patrols to stop the vehicle, search it and speak to the occupants - and possibly prevent further crimes from being committed.

Please be mindful of your belongings – we recommend that don't leave any valuables, tools etc. unattended out in the open - especially if they are visible from the road.  Prevention is certainly better than cure!

                                                                                                                                                                                                Sue Harris

For further advice please visit our website: www.ravensheadneighbourhoodwatch.co.uk.

To contact RNW email us at rnwinfo@yahoo.co.uk or leave a message for us on 07583 296 466