Lisburn Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) and the local police recently held an information evening for Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinators at Lagan Valley Island.  At the event Scheme members were updated about a new scratch and sniff campaign to raise awareness of the signs of the cultivation of cannabis within communities. The co-ordinators were briefed on the following tell-tale signs:

• A strong and sickly sweet smell; 
• Cannabis growing equipment being taken into a house; 
• Constantly covered or blocked-off windows; 
• Unsociable coming and going at all hours or neighbours you never see; 
• Strong and constant lighting day and night; 
• High levels of heat and condensation; 
• Constant buzz of ventilation; and 
• Excessive amount of cables.

The scratch and sniff cards are available, on request, from your local Neighbourhood Police Officers.

The co-ordinators were also updated on the proposals for setting up a ‘Cold Caller Zone’ in Lisburn. This initiative will support and provide reassurances to Neighbourhood Watch Schemes when faced with cold calling at their homes. Additionally, local police updated co-ordinators on home security and the Lisburn Community Safety Network, which provides registered members with information on suspicious vehicles and persons either by text message or email.

Councillor Brian Bloomfield, Chairman of Lisburn PCSP, speaking at the information evening, said: “I am delighted to be hosting this evening where Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinators can sit down with PCSP Members and their local neighbourhood police officers and discuss the concerns of communities. Furthermore, the valuable information provided to the Co-ordinators will provide Neighbourhood Watch Schemes with the necessary knowledge to keep their communities safe. By working together and looking out for one another, local communities can effectively reduce their chances of becoming victims of crime. I look forward to working with the Scheme Co-ordinators and engaging with them at further events like this.”