fp Turks and Caicos

Neighbourhood Watch, a cooperative crime prevention program launched four months ago has so far been successful in keeping safer, friendlier communities in the islands. The said program will continue with its positive progress as neighbours persist in becoming involved for the purpose of mutual protection to help themselves and each other.

Neighbourhood Watch is a community effort to combat crime. The Police alone cannot prevent crime for reasons as simple as the fact that they probably do not know who lives in your area. Everyone in your settlement, be it small or large, can assist one another with crime prevention. A number of Neighbourhood Watch programs already exist in the Turks & Caicos Islands and they are among the many protecting communities around the world.

Inspector Duncan is encouraging all communities to start forming their own Neighborhood Watch groups.

“First, start small. Four to six committed residents in your immediate area must agree on the need to start a Neighborhood Watch Program in your community,” Inspector Duncan explained, “They will serve as the first Neighbourhood Watch Program Committee and you will need to agree that one of you will act as the initial Neighbourhood Watch Program Coordinator.”

Duncan says, this core group can motivate others to become involved. “Second, your Committee will need to consider the street and/or area physical landmark boundaries in order for your Neighborhood Watch Program to be effective. Start small and think about accessibility, people available and communications. Your Program can always grow or more Neighbourhood Watch Programs can be put in place once the word spreads.”

He advises thirdly to contact the Community Policing Section of the Royal Turks & Caicos Islands Police Force, and inform them of your plans. They will arrange a meeting with your Committee, Neighbourhood Watch Turks & Caicos and themselves to discuss your plan and to describe the resources and procedures that will assist your Neighbourhood Watch Program to be effective. Lastly, schedule an open meeting for residents of your area at a home, church or school. The Police and Neighbourhood Watch Turks & Caicos will help to explain and launch your Neighbourhood Watch Program.

“Anyone who is concerned about their neighbourhood and who wants to prevent crime can help to introduce this program to their neighbours. If you take the time to help your neighbour to protect himself and his property, it will then be his responsibility to help protect you and yours. “We look out for each other!” is our motto,” Duncan said. For further information, contact Inspector Hilton Duncan, Community Policing Section, Royal Turks & Caicos Islands Police Force, Criminal Investigation Division Headquarters, Old Airport Road, Providenciales, Telephone: 941-4448 or 231-2158, Fax: 941-4457 , E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it