NeSTs

What is a NeST?

NeST stands for Neighbourhood Safety Team. NeSTs are a key crime reduction activity of the Partnership.

NeSTs allow local people to identify community safety concerns for their areas and work with representatives from the council, police and other agencies to find local solutions.

They do not provide a quick fix to problems but do provide an opportunity for local representatives to work together to help improve quality of life for residents.

The first NeST was established in 1999 and at present the Partnership has eight NeST groups covering Gorse Hill, Penhill, NeSTs in the West (covering Toothill, Westlea, Freshbrook and Grange Park), Haydon Wick, Parks, Walcot East, Walcot West and Pinehurst. Each group meets every couple of months.

NeSTs focus on particular issues for identified community areas - issues for one NeST may be completely different from another NeST.

Why Were They Set Up?

The British Crime Survey indicates Swindon has one of the lowest crime rates in the country, but what the Partnership finds is that people living and working in Swindon have a disproportionate fear of crime. NeSTs seek to address this fear by circulating factual and objective data.

Who Can Get Involved?

NeSTs are not open meetings but anyone who represents his/her community or provides a local service in some way is encouraged to join. For instance, shopkeepers, head teachers, school governors, neighbourhood watch co-ordinators, anyone who is able to represent a community group/club or a representative for his/her street may attend. The group will also consist of local councillors, the police and relevant council officers such as youth workers, the housing department and other officers when applicable, plus agencies such as housing associations and faith groups.

Why Should Someone Volunteer?

Ultimately NeSTs need local people to identify the problems that affect them day-to-day and to work together to find solutions. NeSTs set up so far have tackled issues such as graffiti, drugs misuse, vehicle crime and providing activities for young people. And NeSTs have a voice that is able to influence the decision-makers. The strength of a NeST relies on the contribution and support it receives from local people. NeSTs in Swindon have many issues they are still working on together to resolve and are currently involved in various projects.

Some of the activities the NeSTs have already undertaken include:

Produced and distributed Crackdown on Crime cards
Negotiated and sought funding for the recycling of bus shelters to be used as youth shelters
Produced and distributed Fear of Crime surveys
Promotion of CCTV and lighting in some of the NeST areas
Launched Walcot East Good Neighbour agreement
Organised Community Clean Up Days
Vehicle crime awareness campaign
Hosted a NeST Action Day for all the NeSTs to come together to share ideas and information
Organised and promoted community coffee mornings to provide information about community safety
Provided a forum for community consultation and engagement
Enabled NeST representatives to attend Neighbourhood Action Day in London
Distributed information on drugs misuse and needle safety
Promoted good relationships between local schools and residents

Neighbourhood Watch (NHW)

What is a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme?

A Neighbourhood Watch Scheme is a group of residents, living in the same street, who have come together in order to make their neighbourhood a safer place in which to live. One of the members takes on the role of NHW Co-ordinator and becomes the link between the scheme members and the Liaison Officer at Gablecross Police Station. There is no cost involved in setting up a scheme, unless a street sign is required.

What are the Benefits of Neighbourhood Watch?

It helps people to get to know their neighbours better and creates a sense of community
It gives people peace of mind to know that they are not alone when problems arise
It gives the opportunity to contact the NHW Liaison Officer at Gablecross Police Station, who will listen and, if it is deemed appropriate, pass on any relevant information to the Local Beat Officer
It can help to deter prospective troublemakers from targeting your street
It gives access to useful information, eg local crime reports, scams, anti-social behaviour updates and security advice, which is sent out by the Liaison Officer
It can lead to lower priced house insurance

If you are interested in having a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme in your road, or you would like more information, then please get in touch with the NHW Liaison Officer:

PC Paul Phelps
Direct line: 01793 507864
E-mail: paul.phelps@wiltshire.pnn.police.uk