Teaming Up to Tackle Crime

12.37.05pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 27th Feb 2007

Many volunteers like those Julia met on Friday give up their own time to help make our communities safer

Julia Goldsworthy MP met with local Neighbourhood Watch members last Friday (23rd February) at Camborne Police Station to discuss the ways in which the scheme is tackling crime in the community.

This year marks the silver anniversary of Neighbourhood Watch in the UK. 25 years after the first group was formed, Neighbourhood Watch is the biggest voluntary community movement in the county.

Commenting Julia Goldsworthy said:

"Those who dedicate a great deal of their time to the Neighbourhood Watch scheme deserve both our congratulation and our heartfelt thanks. Their hard work helps to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in local communities. The promotion of good neighbourliness however not only means addressing crime but also keeping an eye out for the vulnerable members of our society and creating a more responsible neighbourhood."

Gill Gillvray, Kerrier Coordinator says:

"Working alongside the police and Victim Support, Neighbourhood Watch is really a force to be reckoned with and the scheme is going from strength to strength. The meeting on Friday was interesting and productive and I look forward to working more closely with Julia in future."

Ms Goldsworthy has recently joined with local councillors and Liberal Democrat campaigners to ask about residents' experiences of crime in their area. At the meeting, Ms Goldsworthy took the opportunity to discuss the concerns about crime that were highlighted in the local survey on crime.

Commenting on the results, Ms Goldsworthy said:

"Although official reports suggest that crime rates are falling, our survey shows that the fear of crime is certainly on the rise. We must tackle these issues with determination and we must tackle them together, building communities that are safe and secure. Neighbourhood Watch success stories from all over the country show that it is possible."

Julia will again be meeting with representatives of Neighbourhood Watch and Victim Support representatives at a meeting at the Lakeview Country Club, Lanivet, near Bodmin on Saturday 17th March between 10am and 1pm. It has been organised by Cornwall's five Liberal Democrat MPs and the new Chief Constable will be addressing attendees.