Meet the force’s Neighbourhood Watch coordinator working on our Safer Streets project

Natalie Lang joined Gwent Police last year having previously served as a community support officer with another force.

In July 2022, Gwent Police was successful in securing almost £750,000 from the Home Office’s Safer Streets fund.

Since then, the force has used these additional funds on projects tackling neighbourhood crimes like burglary, theft and robbery, as well as towards initiatives designed to deter and prevent anti-social behaviour.

Part of this work has included giving out free crime prevention equipment to residents and local businesses, and raising awareness of the security measures we can all take to deter would-be thieves and prevent crime.

Such crime prevention measures are extremely effective, and the force continues to deliver an array of engagement events to increase awareness, bring communities together and make its streets safer for everyone.

One such piece of work is being delivered by Natalie Lang, a Neighbourhood Watch coordinator whose role is funded by the Safer Streets money.

We sat down with Natalie to discuss her role, how the Neighbourhood Watch initiative works and how residents can get involved.

Natalie, thank you for joining us today. Can you tell us a little about yourself and the Neighbourhood Watch in Gwent?

Natalie:

Previously, I was a police community support officer, so I’ve some experience in working on crime prevention initiatives and community engagement.

I’ve also work as part of the Problem Solving Hub in Gwent Police, a team who target persistent crimes or problems within our communities with dedicated plans that address the problem at its root.

In a nutshell, Neighbourhood Watch can be described as a friendly network of volunteer members who look after their communities through initiatives.

The charity work delivered by members reflects what certain areas need. So, this could include sharing crime prevention advice on things like cyber crime and spotting the signs of fraud, for example, or leading community projects such as litter picking. All of this sees neighbours working together to build safer, vibrant communities with people looking out for one another.

My job is to ensure these schemes have a joined-up approach, be a link between the police and communities and encourage more people to become members.

How long have you been in the current role? And what type of work have you been carrying out?

I’ve been in this position for roughly four months now and, since November, have been meeting with partners, housing associations and local authorities to assess what crime prevention work we can carry out to benefit communities across Gwent and protect vulnerable people.

As a Neighbourhood Watch coordinator, I offer advice to the public around preventing crime and work with our members to deliver that advice. I also oversee the Neighbourhood Watch schemes we have running in Gwent and liaise with key partners to ensure we, and other organisations, are working towards our communities’ needs.

For instance, one scheme in Torfaen was set up following concerns residents raised around speeding in the area.

I’ve then got that link with the neighbourhood policing teams in Gwent. They’re updated on the work we’re doing across the area and I inform them of any concerns our members or residents have. This collaborative approach ensures the public feel listened to and are reassured that we’re tackling the issues that worry them.

It’s all about building safer, stronger and more active communities in which people can thrive.

Who is Neighbourhood Watch for and how can you become a member?

Anyone can become a member; it’s one of the biggest voluntary crime prevention initiatives in the country and is community-focused, inclusive, neighbourly and proactive.

It brings like-minded community figures together, with the aim of making our streets safer.

I like Neighbourhood Watch as it provides reassurance, helps you be involved in the local community and helps ease concerns. It provides a quick, knowledgeable contact to report incidents, worries and a contact to the local police in our area.

It offers me reassurance that people in my community look out for the wellbeing of my family and property. I especially like the notifications I receive about potential threats, suspicious activity and online scams to be aware of.

A member from Torfaen

What does a member do?

As a member, you’ll get access to crime prevention information and campaigns, will work with me and be given support to help run your own local scheme.

These schemes can make a real, long-lasting difference to your area and help prevent crime, increase community wellbeing and support neighbours.

[example scheme/link to case study]

Being part of Neighbourhood Watch can help:

• reduce/prevent local crime and disorder
• address issues relating to anti-social behaviour
• create safer neighbourhoods
• build community spirit
• improve partnership working with community groups and the police
• Improve quality of life and the local environment.

It’s also free to join! Find out more here: Join Us | Neighbourhood Watch Network (ourwatch.org.uk) or, feel free to send me an email at [email protected]. 

How would you say your experience as a CSO has helped you in this role?

Neighbourhood policing is so important.

Gwent Police’s teams not only target criminals, but plan preventative work that tackles the crimes that blight neighbourhoods at their root. Add to that the numerous engagement events organised week in, week out to improve awareness, and you’re working towards safer streets.

Things like warrants and bike marking events can be carried out by the same officers in these neighbourhood teams, so there really is a lot of work going on behind the scenes to protect people from crime and anti-social behaviour.

And, finally . . . How’s it been to work as part of the Safer Streets team?

It’s been great. From the chief inspector, sergeants, PCs and police staff, the team’s committed to protecting the public from neighbourhood crime and using the Home Office funding on preventative measures.