What is Rural Watch?

Rural Watch Scotland, as an extension of Neighbourhood Watch Scotland, is a community led initiative to bring local people together to address crime and other community safety issues. Neighbourhood Watch groups often liaise with the local police, the local authority and other agencies.

The concept originated in the United States and was introduced into the UK in the 1980s. Behind it lies a very simple idea Working together can help to improve your community.

Under the concept of 'Your Watch, Your Way' Neighbourhood Watches can be large, covering most of the households in a defined area, or they might involve just a few houses. They may meet frequently, or only keep in touch via e-mail or social media apps. There really is no 'one size fits all' approach to Neighbourhood Watch. Neighbourhood Watch adapts to fit the community it serves - your community.

What are the benefits of joining Rural Watch Scotland?

• Joining Rural Watch Scotland allows you to receive local alerts from service providers of your choice and in a format that suits you
• Areas of local concern can be better addressed
• Your problem becomes a shared problem
• People work together to make communities safer
• You can work more effectively together with other NW Schemes and local groups, the police and other partners
• Opportunity to know your neighbours, local police officers and other service providers
• Being a member of NW may secure a discount on your insurance, and other benefits are being developed

To find out more about the benefits of Neighbourhood Watch and how to get involved click here to access the Neighbourhood Watch Scotland website.