Message from Karen Smith, Little Ness
LITTLE NESS RURAL WATCH
We can't stop crime happening, but we can take steps to reduce it happening in our village. Rural Watch is the country version of the Neighbourhood Watch schemes, which run in towns. Posters put up at significant points in the village, will inform potential criminals that we are vigilant, organised and we do report suspicious activity to the police. This can be enough to make criminals think twice and move on. Baschurch, Ruyton XI Towns and Nesscliffe all have Rural Watch operating, so it makes sense that Little Ness (including Great Ness) have one too.
Little Ness Rural Watch is a WhatsApp group for the sole purpose of reducing crime in our area. If a member spots suspicious behaviour, they post it to the WhatApp group so all group members are aware and can be vigilant in their own specific area. Details such as a person's description or vehicle number plate can be safely shared. This raises awareness of potential criminals and will help to deter criminal activity. Perhaps the suspicious vehicle or person is a courier looking for their drop and if so – no harm done because the group is not public. But if not, we are all aware there is a potential issue and we will be providing the police with real time information as our Rural Crime officer is also part of the group. He will see the posts and decide if he needs to take action.
For the group to work there needs to be some ground rules which everyone participating agree to adhere to. Anyone who breaks these rules will be removed from the group.
1. The group is strictly for the purpose of reporting suspicious activity – there must be no selling or advertising
2. No social interactions
3. No hate speech, bullying or abusive behaviour
4. No judgement – suspicious behaviour is subjective and all opinions should be treated with respect
You must not respond to a WhatsApp alert unless you are able to build upon it or explain it. For example, if someone posts a partial vehicle number plate and you see the full number plate, then you would post that. You may think you are being polite to respond with a smiley face or comment, but all that will happen is that people will turn off notifications if they become to frequent, which defies the object of the group.
It is preferable that you assign a specific alert for the WhatsApp group so that when you hear it you immediately know what it is.
You can belong to more than one Rural Watch group on Whatsapp. This might be helpful if you live between Little Ness and one of its neighbouring villages, which has an active group.
Only suspicious behaviour should be reported on the group. If you see a crime being committed phone 999 or if you discover a crime has been committed phone 101 to report it.
To join the group, you must download WhatsApp on your phone and then send me, or whoever has spoken to you about the group a message asking to join. I have a team of admins who are spreading the word and we are able to add people to the group. And it's that simple. Now we hope we never have to use it!
If you would like to join the group or would like more information you can send me a message on 07432 092447 or email me at smithkaren625@gmail.com
