Lisburn & Castlereagh PCSP Chairman Cllr Scott Carson with PSNI and Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinators at the launch of five new schemes in the Lisburn area.

Lisburn & Castlereagh Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP), local police and residents of Clonmore Manor, Belsize Road, Kennedy Drive, Harmony Mews/Drive and Woodland Park are delighted to announce the formal launch of five further Neighbourhood Watch Schemes, bringing the total number of Neighbourhood Watch Schemes for the Lisburn area to 50.

The Schemes have been set up to address concerns of residents and improve communications with the local police and PCSP. Chairman of Lisburn & Castlereagh PCSP, Councillor Scott Carson said: “I am delighted that the residents... have endorsed the setting up of Neighbourhood Watch Schemes and the turn-out shows the support for policing and community safety in these communities.  By working together and looking out for one another, local communities can effectively reduce their chances of becoming a victim of crime.  I look forward to working with the Scheme Co-ordinators and engaging with them at events organised for Neighbourhood Watch Schemes.”

Neighbourhood Watch Schemes are in existence across the City and are valued by the local police. Chief Inspector John Wilson said: "Anyone can belong to a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme and play a part in its achievements.  A scheme can cover just one street or part or all of an estate.  It raises awareness of crime, keeps communities informed and encourages local residents to report activity in their neighbourhood which is suspicious or disruptive”.

“We have seen how successful we can be when we work in partnership with the community and I would encourage any member of the public who is interested in working with us to reduce crime in their area to contact us.”

Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinators have been appointed for the five schemes.  Mark Gillespie, David Heaps and Simon Spence are representing Clonmore Manor, Lynn Johnston representing Belsize Road, Tinya Parkes representing Kennedy Drive, Donna Hancock representing Harmony Mews and Drive, Rosemary Orr and Siobhan Gray representing Woodland Park.  All the Co-ordinators acknowledged that the Schemes have helped to refresh community spirit and the desire to look out for one another.

If you would like to find out more about Neighbourhood Watch Schemes, please contact Lisburn & Castlereagh PCSP on 028 9250 9284 or pcsp@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk