About Us

The Canterbury & District Neighbourhood Watch Association was formed in 1995 in order to support and co-ordinate the activities of Schemes and liaise with police and other agencies on their behalf in the Canterbury Area.

While some of the ways we go about things have changed, and most (but not all!) of the faces have changed, our purpose remains the same. Consistently throughout our history, we have enjoyed an excellent relationship with East Kent Police (formerly Canterbury Police), and our close cousins, the Canterbury Area Crime Prevention Panel.

Following a general meeting in February 2007, a new committee was established to take forward the Association into a new era, following the countywide introduction of the Kent Community Messaging System (KCMS) by Kent Police.

This is therefore but a brief introduction to ourselves, as the new committee comes to grips with ensuring we can support existing schemes, establish new schemes, and further the Association to the high standards set by our predecessors.

Under the theme 'Back to Basics' there are already some great ideas (a mix of the traditional and the new) coming through. We are working hard to make sure that the Association maintains its enviable record

Please check back frequently, you will read it here first!

Why be a member?

Neighbourhood Watch has an undeserved reputation for consisting of Victor Meldrew like individuals spying on neighbours.

Nothing is further from the truth. The best people to spot anything out of the ordinary are those that live there, so while a degree of vigilance is required, spying is definitely a no no, and may even get you into trouble!

With the best will in the world, a passing patrol car may not notice the significance of curtains drawn in the house opposite, while neighbours would immediately know this was unusual.

Neighbourhood Watch can help by advising householders who and what to look out for, and what to do if spotted. With our partners, we can offer advice on crime prevention, source suitable products at highly competitive rates, and help schemes with specific issues, such as defective streetlighting, anti social behaviour, bogus callers etc.

Probably the biggest benefit of membership is the strength it can bring to the community in helping make your road a safer and happier place to live. Looking out for each other means we are are able to support each other, which can make all the difference to our elderly or more vulnerable neighbours.

If you would like to find out more, with no obligation, please see opposite for our contact details.