This article explains who’s involved, how it works, and how you can take part. For more information, or for help setting up your own Neighbourhood Watch Group, please contact: editor@pulboroughpost.co.uk

What Neighbourhood Watch Is — and Why It Matters

Neighbourhood Watch is a voluntary, community‑led safety network supported nationally by the Neighbourhood Watch Network and locally by Sussex Police. Its purpose is simple:

• Reduce crime and anti‑social behaviour
• Build strong, connected neighbourhoods
• Encourage residents to look out for one another
• Share timely crime prevention advice
• Support vulnerable neighbours
• Strengthen communication between police and the community

Neighbourhood Watch groups do not replace the police or local Neighbourhood Wardens, nor do they patrol or intervene in incidents. Their power lies in awareness, prevention, community cohesion and sharing information.

Who’s Involved in Pulborough

Pulborough’s Neighbourhood Watch network typically includes:

• Street Coordinators – volunteers who act as the main point of contact for their road or area
• Area Coordinators – individuals who support multiple streets and liaise with Sussex Police
• Local residents – anyone who signs up for alerts or participates in group communication
• Sussex Police PCSOs – providing updates, crime prevention advice, and support
• Pulborough Neighbourhood Wardens – often assisting with communication channels and local engagement

What Pulborough Neighbourhood Watch Actually Does

Neighbourhood Watch activity varies by street, but typically includes:

• Sharing crime alerts (e.g., shed break‑ins, scams, suspicious activity)
• Passing information to Sussex Police when residents report concerns
• Helping neighbours secure their homes with practical advice
• Organising WhatsApp groups or email lists for quick communication
• Supporting vulnerable or isolated residents
• Promoting community events that strengthen local ties
• Encouraging reporting — one of the biggest factors in reducing crime

Many Pulborough groups also work closely with Pulborough Neighbourhood Wardens, especially around issues like anti‑social behaviour, vandalism, and community safety initiatives.

How Residents Can Get Involved

There are several easy ways to join in:

1. Sign up to your local group

• Most streets have a coordinator. You can join via:
• A WhatsApp group
• Email updates
• A local Facebook group
• Direct contact with the coordinator

2. Start a new group if your street doesn’t have one

• Neighbourhood Watch UK makes this simple (see next section).

3. Attend local safety meetings

• Often organised with Sussex Police PCSOs or Neighbourhood Wardens.

4. Share information responsibly

• Reporting suspicious activity helps build a safer community.

5. Support vulnerable neighbours

• A quick check‑in can make a big difference.

Setting Up a Neighbourhood Watch Group in Pulborough

If your road doesn’t yet have a group, setting one up is straightforward:

Step-by-step:

• Register your interest with the national Neighbourhood Watch Network
• Contact Sussex Police to be linked with your local PCSO
• Identify your street or area boundary
• Invite neighbours to join (flyers, WhatsApp, email, door‑knocking)
• Set up a communication channel
• Receive your official Neighbourhood Watch pack, including window stickers
• Start sharing updates and crime prevention advice
• Attend occasional coordinator briefings with Sussex Police

Most coordinators say the role takes less than an hour a week.

What Support Is Available

Residents and coordinators benefit from:

• Sussex Police PCSOs – advice, updates, and direct liaison
• Neighbourhood Watch Network resources – toolkits, posters, guidance
• Pulborough Neighbourhood Wardens – communication channels and local knowledge
• Community safety partnerships – district-level support
• Free or low-cost home security advice
• Access to national campaigns (e.g., anti‑fraud, burglary prevention)

What You Can Expect as a Member

• Regular updates about local crime trends
• Practical advice on home and vehicle security
• Alerts about scams or suspicious activity
• Opportunities to attend community safety events
• A stronger sense of belonging and shared responsibility

Get Involved

Neighbourhood Watch is one of the most effective community‑safety tools we have because it is local, connected, and driven by neighbours who genuinely care about where they live. By joining an existing group — or starting one on your own street — you become part of a network that helps prevent crime, supports vulnerable residents, and strengthens the sense of trust and awareness across Pulborough.

Your involvement doesn’t need to be time‑heavy or complicated. Even small actions, like staying informed, sharing updates, or keeping an eye out for neighbours, contribute to a safer, more resilient, and more supportive community. Neighbourhood Watch works best when ordinary residents take simple steps together.

For more information and to join, click here.

It’s Not For Me

If you decide not to join or set up a Neighbourhood Watch group, you can still play a vital role in keeping Pulborough safe. Please continue to report any incidents of anti‑social behaviour, crime, suspicious activity, assault, or anything that doesn’t feel right. You can pass information to:

• Your local Neighbourhood Watch group
• Neighbourhood Wardens
• Crimestoppers on 101
• Or, in an emergency, 999

Every piece of local intelligence — no matter how small — helps Sussex Police build a clearer picture of what’s happening in our area. This allows them to target resources, identify patterns, and take effective action.

If you have CCTV, Ring doorbells, or other cameras around your home or business, please retain any relevant footage and share it with the Police when incidents occur. Clear, timely evidence is often the key to identifying offenders, supporting investigations, and ultimately bringing criminals to justice.

A recent survey by Aviva Insurance found that 29% of UK residents with a shed or outbuilding have experienced an attempted or actual break‑in. The average insurance claim for theft from these spaces now stands at £4,205, underlining how valuable — and vulnerable — outdoor equipment can be.

Local Reports

Several break‑ins have been reported in Nutbourne and Billingshurst in recent weeks. Residents are encouraged to stay alert, review their home security, and report any thefts or attempted break‑ins to the Police.

Keeping Your Property Secure

Simple steps can make a real difference in deterring opportunistic thieves. Consider the following:

• Keep sheds, garages and outbuildings locked, even when you are at home
• Check locks regularly and replace any that are broken or faulty
• Repair or replace damaged doors and windows
• Ensure fences and boundaries are in good condition
• Keep keys out of sight and away from your letterbox
• Install good‑quality outdoor security lighting
• Lock bikes to ground anchors or heavy, immovable objects inside a secure building
• Store ladders and tools out of sight — never leave them in the garden
• Keep gates locked
• Mark possessions with your postcode and house number using an ultraviolet pen
• Join your local Neighbourhood Watch scheme

Further advice is available from Horsham District Council.