Welcome to the Annandale & Eskdale Neighbourhood Watch pages
 
Annandale & Eskdale is a rural area of some 600 square miles in Dumfries & Galloway, South West Scotland. The main centres of population are the towns of Annan, Gretna, Langholm, Lockerbie and Moffat. The population is 35,000 in 16,500 dwellings
We were formed as a group in 1996 following a review by the Dumfries & Galloway Constabulary of the Neighbourhood Watch schemes in the area, which highlighted areas of poor communication and patchy coverage of schemes. As a direct result of this five voluntary scheme administrators were appointed to work with the police in an effort to improve the situation.
Working from office space in five local police stations, with computers and training provided by the police the administrators set about registering all membership and schemes, these have been organised into geographically connected areas and operate a telephone cascade system to pass on urgent information.
The scheme has grown considerably since the start when we had 80 schemes with 1000 members. At present there are approaching 300 schemes with 5000 registered members covering 7000 homes, and still growing.
 
We issue from time to time a newsletter the Watchful Observer and have organized community safety events involving other agencies such as Fire, Police, Red Cross, British Telecom, Scottish Power, Transport Police and commercial security companies.
                                             
Initially with the aid of National Lottery Charities Board Scotland and latterly with a grant from the Scottish Executive Community Safety Fund we purchased a total of 14 monitored intruder alarms, from Positive Response Communications, Dumfries. These are simple to use with no wires just plug in the power and telephone jack. The alarms are hired to our members, for a small weekly charge, when property is vacant, we also place these from time to time in properties
were persons are considered to be vulnerable. (see alarm poster )
More details on the alarms can be obtained from sales@positiveresponseuk.com
 
We also purchase personal attack alarms, door chains door viewers, and cycle marking kits all sold at discounted prices to our members.
 We also promote the Data Link, “Message in a Bottle” in partnership with the Police and the local Area committees of Dumfries & Galloway Council. We have been able to raise sufficient funds to buy 7000 bottles, enough to cover 50% of Annandale & Eskdale households.
The scheme was launched in August 2000 and has been promoted through the watch schemes and police.
The bottles are also available at doctor’s surgeries. (see bottle poster)
 
In 2005 we were involved with the Lockerbie Academy Young Enterprise, advising on Neighbourhood Watch, in relation to their business project, a board game “Lock up Lockerbie”. The group was very successful winning the area and Scottish award for young entrepreneurs 2005. The profits from this have been donated to Neighbourhood Watch to fund a youth orientated crime awareness project.
 
Annandale & Eskdale is an award winning scheme earning the silver award from General Accident in 1997 and a commendation in 1998, for good service to Neighbourhood Watch and for partnership working.
In the 2001 awards our community policeman Ian Marshall, based at Moffat won the police award in the National Neighbourhood Watch Awards, for his outstanding work in the community.
 
Further information on our organisation can be obtained from Lockerbie Police on 0845 600 5701 or from the Watch Administrator on 01387
810588, or by e-mail  brian.smith953@btinternet.com

Neighbourhood watch
Working together
with
Dumfries & Galloway Constabulary
 
01.11.08