Russet pilot Neighbourhood Watch for older people

Published by Barbara H for Russet Homes in Housing and also in Communities, Education, Environment, Health, Local Government

Older people at Frome Court in Tonbridge became the first residents living in a sheltered housing scheme in the borough to set up a Neighbourhood Watch scheme.

During a regular surgery held by PCSO Linda Baker at the Russet owned scheme residents said they were keen to set up a Neighbourhood Watch and learn how they can help one another reduce the risk of burglars, bogus callers and vandals gaining access to their homes.

Residents aged between 60 and 96 years received a safety talk and stickers from a Neighbourhood Watch liaison officer who explained a few simple measures people can take to help protect them, and their homes.

Ivanna Roberts-Cillia, Russet's Head of Housing, said: “Neighbourhood Watch is not just about reducing crime – it’s about building community spirit and good relations.  It brings local people closer together with common goals: to tackle crime and disorder and to keep an eye on each other’s property.

“Although Frome Court is not a particular target of crime it has had a couple of incidents of people trying to gain access and bogus callers.  We want all our residents to feel confident, safe and secure in the place they live and encourage them to be vigilant and be sure they know who it is visiting before they let them in.“

PCSO Linda Baker said: “It’s mostly common sense and re-enforcing safety messages but the scheme also makes sure residents know what to do and who to contact should they suspect something is wrong.  By working together with the Police and neighbours it reduces the opportunities for crime and disorder, and makes it more difficult for the criminal.  We are now looking to start Neighbourhood Watch in other schemes in the area.”

Part of Circle Anglia, Russet owns almost 7,000 properties making it the largest provider of rented social housing within Tonbridge and Malling.