MY COMMUNITY VOICE - JANUARY 2026

Information Source: My Community Voice/Neighbourhood Watch

Neighbourhood Watch launches new strategy

As you may know, 2025 saw Neighbourhood Watch come to to the end of our five-year strategy. We started work with members, staff and stakeholders to develop a new strategy which will shape our work until 2030.

After extensive collaboration and consultation, the strategy has now been published. We are very grateful to all the members, staff, volunteers and stakeholders who gave up their time to contribute to this important and inspiring work. Read the full strategy document and find out more on our website.

National Crime and Community Survey

The results of the 2025 National Crime and Community Survey are in, and they reveal a nation feeling increasingly on edge. More than thirty-eight thousand respondents shared their experiences.

What emerged is that nearly 42% of respondents believe crime levels in their neighbourhood have risen in the past year, similar to the figure reported in the previous year's survey. Read the full story on our website.

Staying Cyber Secure with ERA

The latest Neighbourhood Watch Crime and Community Survey found that almost half (45%) of members were worried about experiencing cybercrime. But what steps can you take to make sure you’re protected?

Sumier Foster-Shah, Customer Service Manager at ERA, shares his top tips to help keep yourself safe from cybercrime – discover his advice here. - AD

Do you have what it takes to be a Cyberhood Ambassador?

Cyberhood Ambassadors educate, help and protect people from online crime. They share information, answer cybersecurity questions and concerns, and deliver Cyberhood Watch events and activities.

Funding for police announced by Home Office

The Home Office has announced that police forces across England and Wales are set to receive a funding boost of up to £798 million in the next financial year. This brings total funding up to £19.5 billion.

The majority of this funding is for local forces, with an additional £746 million allowing them to prioritise the crimes impacting their communities, including knife crime, anti-social behaviour and shop theft. Full story here.

Protect what matters: start the year future-ready

As a Neighbourhood Watch member, you already believe in protecting people and property. Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) do the same for your household, making sure your wishes are followed and trusted people can step in if something unexpected happens.

The New Year is a natural time to get organised and put your affairs in order - making sure the right people are in charge, your wishes are known, and your hard-earned assets go where you want them to. A few documents can make all the difference. Future Proof Estate Planning shared their advice on where to start. – AD

Have you heard about the switch to digital landlines?

Landlines are changing, and the UK’s telephone network is going digital by January 2027. If you have loved ones with additional needs such as elderly relatives or someone who uses a telecare device or pendant alarm, BT’s Connected Together initiative encourages you to take a few simple steps to support them through the switch.

BT’s Connected Together website is where customers, can access all the guidance and support they need. Start the conversation today. – AD