NHW in Spain

Neighbourhood Watch has been operating in Spain as Vecinos Cooperando y Colaborando de España for over 8 years now. It works by collecting and spreading information about criminal activity. Each area has a coordinator who is informed by members of any suspicious activity or of any actual crimes committed.

The information can then be shared with other members and areas or reported to the police as appropriate. The Police can then use this network to warn members of criminal activity in their own area or ask for help in tracing vehicles or suspects. We are not a private police force and do not organise patrols or respond to emergencies – in an emergency members still contact the local police or dial 112 in the usual way but as well, they contact their coordinator so the information can be shared. We watch our neighbourhood NOT our neighbours.

The more people who join the better the intelligence and therefore the more effective we can be. The main benefits for members of Neighbourhood Watch are:-

• a reduction in crime levels-information supplied by members has led to many arrests and the recovery of stolen property
• increased awareness of criminal activities and methods and the ability to take precautions accordingly
• Regular meetings where people can get together and share information, learn about ways to protect their property, hear the latest advice, encourage closer communities and help and reassure those who live in fear of crime.
• You will be helping in creating communities that care about each other. Neighbourhood Watch brings local people of every nationality together and can make a contribution to improving their lives.