Frequently Asked Questions

My neighbours and I already keep an eye on each other, so why should we join?
There are several reasons:

Strength in Numbers.  By that we mean that with an active and strong neighbourhood watch operating throughout Rother we can help to free our communities of the fear of crime and reduce actual crime. In reality all we are doing is looking out for one another, the rest comes almost by default. Our members are regularly updated with crime reports, current scams, suspicious vehicles or callers plus information about home and personal security. All members are issued with the Privilege Card offering exclusive benefits and discounts.

Who runs Neighbourhood Watch?
It is run by the community with a committee elected by the members. The Neighbourhood Policing Team offer advice and assistance but have no control or access to member's details.

How much does it cost to join?
It is one of the few things in life that is FREE!

How is Neighbourhood Watch funded?
As a completely voluntary organisation we seek support locally. We have been extremely fortunate to gain the support of The Observer Group of Newspapers as a major supporter plus help from Safer Rother Partnership, the District Council and Neighbourhood Policing.

The Committee arrange and hold various events in the local community to help raise funds via Raffles and Tombola's - so if you have anything you think could be a prize, we would be very grateful.

Individual donations are very welcome and gratefully accepted.

I am displaying a Neighbourhood Watch sticker; does this mean I am automatically a member?
NO.  You must be registered with your local scheme.

If you are not registered then you must complete the Registration Form (NHW1A & 2) and return this to your local Co-ordinator.  You will then be provided with more information and confirmation of your membership as well as your Privilege Card.

How do I become a member?
Please contact the Chairman direct and he will advise if you have a co-ordinator covering your area.

I am already a member of my local scheme.  Why do I need to re-register?
To be able to take advantage of the new benefits now being offered, in particular the 'Privilege Card'.

We do not have a scheme where I live, how do we set one up?
It really is very easy, for advice and all the assistance and support you need, please email the Chairman at

What should I do if I see something suspicious?

If a crime is being committed or an immediate police response is required, always phone 999.

Where an immediate response in not required, the non-emergency telephone number is now simply 101.

If you want to report a crime, but you do not want to be identified to the police, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Staff will record your information and pass it on to the police so that it can be used to solve the crime. Your call will not be traced, and you won't have to testify in court or give a full statement, no matter how useful the information turns out to be.

Sometimes I notice something that just doesn't look quite right but I don't like to be a nuisance in case nothing is wrong.

The chances are that if you feel something is wrong, it probably is. If you are not aware that a crime is being committed but you have suspicions, make a note of all relevant details, (e.g. if a vehicle is involved, note registration number, type of vehicle, colour, number and description of occupants), fill in the incident report form and give it to your co-ordinator.

This may be invaluable at a later date should a crime occur.

Remember 'better safe than sorry'!