NEIGHBOURHOOD Watch schemes are now an accepted way of life for most people reports LESLEY FLYNN.

The schemes, also known as Home Watch are a way for local people to get together to help prevent crime and anti social behaviour and make their neighbourhood a safer place.

There are more than 160,000 such groups throughout the UK involving more than 6million households.

There are also associated groups such as Pub Watch, Farm Watch, Horse Watch and Boat Watch.

The police do not organise such schemes, but act as consultants.

Each Neighbourhood Watch has a co-ordinator and many produce newsletters keeping householders up to date about what is happening in their area.

They also visit the sick and elderly, look after unoccupied premises, develop links with local newspapers and foster a community spirit. Many hold regular meetings to keep people updated.

Many of these groups go one step further and report or remove graffiti as soon as it appears, arrange for derelict land to be maintained and contact the local authority to improve the design of alleyways and footpaths and improve lighting for these.

It has been proved that Neighbourhood Watch signs in windows act as a deterrent to criminals.

Police say people who see crime taking place should not hesitate to ring 999 immediately and 101 if the call is non-urgent or if anyone wants to report the result of crimes.

As well as co-ordinators the scheme includes the Ringmaster computerised recorded telephone system at Gwent Police headquarters.

Residents are asked to note down details of anyone behaving suspiciously or any vehicles which alert their attention.

One of the Abergavenny co-ordinators is Michael Prys-Williams of Gavenny Way who has covered the estate of 79 houses where he lives for the past 14 years.

He is now vice chairman of the Abergavenny and District Partnership Against Crime (PACT) who are trying to raise awareness of the benefits of the scheme.

He worked with the police for many years and was a committee member of the Gwent Association which covers the five counties within the Gwent Police area.

He was an Abergavenny town councillor for five years and achieved many notable things during that time, including work on the town's war memorial and a tablet to remember the graves of more than 3,000 people who were buried within the grounds of the former Penyfal psychiatric hospital.

He alone tends the memorial garden which surrounds it.

He suggests that Neighbourhood Watch members and co-ordinators should walk around the neighbourhood and tackle problems as soon as possible, improve community safety and reduce the fear of crime especially for vulnerable members of the community.

He added: "Put as much effort as you can into the scheme because the main problem with members is apathy. Neighbourhood Watch schemes are an excellent way of getting to know and help each other, particularly on new housing developments.

"Other benefits include discounted premiums on home contents insurance policies and security products like smoke detectors, personal alarms and door chains which are available through the Bobby Scheme."

He said specialist advice is also available from the neighbourhood policing teams.