Of recent years there has been much concern locally (and nationally, for that matter) about decreasing police presence in our communities and ongoing crime like antisocial behaviour, vehicle thefts and burglaries.

Image from West Midlands Police.

Very often I have heard residents express the view that they’d like to be able to protect their communities better – well, the chance to do that is coming to Brownhills soon if enough people show an interest. Street Watch schemes have already have been trialled in Aldridge and several areas of Walsall are hoping to, or are in the process of starting their own with the full backing and support of West Midlands Police.

Street Watch involves residents banding together under a lead co-ordinator to patrol their streets – for a minimum of  two hours per month – with the support of local police.

I’ll let  Engagement and Consultation Officer Kevin Pitt from West Midlands Police explain:

Brownhills Street Watch

Do you live in Brownhills? Are you passionate about protecting your community?

If you are prepared to volunteer your time for a minimum of 2 hours a month to patrol around your local area then you may be interested in volunteering to join Brownhills Street 8.

We need a minimum of 10 people to volunteer, including someone who is willing to be a lead co-ordinator.

If you are interested, please contact Kevin Pitt – k.pitt@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk to register your interest.

For more information, please click on this link here and read the attached PDF document.link.

Many thanks…
Kevin Pitt
Engagement and Consultation Officer

This is one step on from the generally successful neighbourhood watch schemes, and represents citizens taking an active role in patrolling their streets. Whilst I can see some potential issues, if managed well (as I’m sure this will be) it can only be a good thing.

If you’re interested please do contact Kevin Pitt via email on the link above, and don’t forget to let me know how you get on.