An Assessment of the Design, Implementation and Effectiveness of Neighbourhood Watch in London

Abstract: This paper presents the findings of a recently completed evaluation of two Neighbourhood Watch schemes in London. The main research method was based on crime and public attitude surveys of the two Neighbourhood Watch areas before the schemes were implemented and again one year after their implementation. Similar surveys were conducted in a displacement and a control area as a comparison. The results showed that crime increased slightly in the scheme areas and remained constant or fell in the displacement and control areas. More favourable results were shown in changes in public attitudes and behaviour. The paper concludes that the lack of a more substantial success was most likely due to implementation failure and the weak design of Neighbourhood Watch in the Metropolitan Police District (MPD).