The awards, hosted to be by the Minister for Crime and Prevention and Anti-Social Behaviour, Rt. Hon. Jeremy Browne MP, celebrate and reward work carried out by Neighbourhood and Home Watch (NHW) volunteers across England and Wales.
Sergeant Sarah Widdowson of Belgrave Safer Neighbourhood Team nominated Ratilal Govind of the Belgrave United Neighbourhood Watch Scheme in the Outstanding Achievement (Coordinator) and Community Engagement categories. She said: “Ratilal has demonstrated commitment to Neighbourhood Watch. Through his influence on the Golden Mile, many of the jewellers have greatly improved their security; they are now an organised and recognised group with a voice.
“Ratilal is well known amongst local residents, businesses and partner agencies and has ensured that the issues faced by the community are heard by local councillors, the Lord Mayor and senior police officers.
“Every community would benefit from a person like Ratilal.”
The shortlisted entries from Leicestershire and Rutland Neighbourhood Watch also include:
• Alan Wade of the Harborough District NHW Association who has been shortlisted in the Outstanding Achievement (Coordinator) category for his work which began in 1984, spanning almost 30 years, and for his progressive activity as member of the Market Harborough NHW Association which has contributed to 50% of homes being a part of the current NHW scheme in his local area.
• Welford Road NHW & Police Community Support Group, led by Carole Blackburn, has been shortlisted in the Community Advocacy and Inspiring Youth categories for its work on the Best Attendance Project to reduce truancy in city schools; Carole’s excellent working relationships with local establishments such as city universities; and for establishing a successful local ChurchWatch scheme.
• Harborough Be Safe (Harborough District NHW Association) Scheme has been shortlisted in the Innovation and Safer Neighbourhoods categories for its work to increase the number of reported distraction burglaries; and the group’s innovative provision of free home security improvement to vulnerable people.
A total of 23 award entries from the East Midlands Region made the 100-strong shortlist for 10 national award categories recognising outstanding service; innovation; partnership working to community advocacy.
Marion Lewis OBE, Leicestershire Police lead volunteer and Leicestershire Neighbourhood Watch Association member said: ''Crime cannot flourish in a community that cares, and the Neighbourhood Watch members who have been nominated have certainly made a difference in theirs! Supporting local officers and partner agencies, the relentless work of these members have contributed to reducing crime and anti-social behaviour for the benefit of the whole community, and their nominations are well deserved.''
Anyone with any information about crime or anti-social behaviour in their area can contact their local police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers, which is free and anonymous, on 0800 555 111.
