VOLUNTEERS are being sought by Malvern Police to join the new Street Watch scheme and provide visible reassurance and engagement in the community.
The scheme will be made up of local volunteers who carry out street patrols for at least two hours a month.
West Mercia Police’s Malvern force believe the scheme will benefit neighbourhoods by offering visible reassurance and appropriate engagement on local issues.
The groups will be managed by a coordinator, who keeps a volunteer list, provides advice, guidance and support and is usually the contact who liaises with the local policing team.
Volunteers will be provided with suitable training and high vis jackets before stepping out into their community to talk to people and encourage others to take an active interest in keeping their area safe.
Street Watch patrollers – who will go out in groups of two as a minimum – will not have police powers or be encouraged to get involved in police matters directly, but will be instructed to report suspicious activity to their local policing team.
Participants will also be given stickers which can be displayed on wheelie bins, lampposts and windows within the community.
A Malvern Safer Neighbourhood Team spokesperson said: “Becoming a Street Watch Volunteer is a fantastic way to help keep your community safe, to meet new people in your community who share the same values, improve community engagement with the police, and to keep fit and healthy.
Visit: https://www.westmercia.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/wsi/ for more information.
