WatchNotes has been on a bit of a break. It’s been a while since my last email but here’s my latest roundup of community safety and neighbourhood watch related news.
Remember all issues are online here and there is a signup form if anyone asks you about getting the emails themselves. If you’re involved with Neighbourhood Watch or another network, please share anything you find of interest with your network
COMMUNITY SAFETY
The annual JSIA crime survey is still open but closing soon. Read more here and link to the survey is here. Last chance to have your say. Closes 1st June.
There have been a few news articles published by Ourwatch outlining national news around crime and policing:
Crime and Policing Bill receives Royal Assent, giving Police new powers to tackle crime Read more about this on Gov.uk too here.
Tougher measures targeting antisocial behaviour become law
3,000 additional neighbourhood police take up roles
GRIP radio demonstrates how to support communities in Cleethorpes. Story from Humberside Police and here. VANEL are pleased to be part of the support for the GRIP radio system (background info here).
Humberside Police have introduced Bobbi – an AI chatbot that can help answer non-emergency questions quickly. Read about it here or watch a short video. There’s more info and a useful video on Facebook here or here. It’s another important way to help residents get in touch with the Police quickly.
Sandi Starfish has relaunched just in time for the warmer weather to help support families to reunite with lost children or vulnerable people. Read the update here and more info here.
This just part of Operation Coastline which returns in time for the Bank Holiday weekend.
Office of the Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner brings organisations together for Anti-Social Behaviour Summit. Related: More information about ASB approaches here. General advice about ASB on ASB Help.
Some bank holiday advice from Humberside Fire and Rescue Service. Enjoy the Bank Holiday Safely.
This week’s featured Community Safety tip is the personal safety app: Hollie Guard…
Most of us carry a phone everywhere, but few people know it can double as a silent personal alarm and evidence-gatherer. Hollie Guardturns your smartphone into a personal safety device — shake it in an emergency and it records audio and video, then shares your location with a trusted contact. It was named after Hollie Gazzard, murdered by an ex-partner in 2014, and the free version alone could save a life. Find it and other personal safety tips on our Community Safety page.
Visit our Community Safety directory online at www.nelwatch.org.uk/communitysafety for links to all kinds of relevant information. Please share the link with others. This month we’ve added a guide to why reporting crime is so important and how to do it properly.
SCAMS AND FRAUD
Once again VANEL has been funded through Fraudwatch to deliver fraud and scams awareness training sessions to community groups across North East Lincolnshire. Over the last four years Karl has delivered nearly 70 sessions to local groups. If your group would like a talk during 2026 please get in touch.
POLICING
Heroic actions of police officers rescue man from burning vehicle.
Ask for Angela audit reports 100 per cent success rate.
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
It’s nearly time for National Neighbourhood Watch Week 2026 (1st – 7th June). Organised nationally via OurWatch any group can get involved. June is also Month of Community and the first week of June is also National Volunteers Week. As almost everyone involved with Neighbourhood Watch is a volunteer it’s double the reasons to make the most of the first week of June.
If your Neighbourhood Watch scheme in North East Lincolnshire has something planned for the week, please let me know. If you’re looking for ideas please contact me or check out this list from Ourwatchfrom a previous Neighbourhood Watch week.
LOCAL NEWS
Sidney Sussex: Community Safety/Police drop-ins continue at the VANEL community hub (82 Grimsby Road). Timetable is here and the next session is Tue 9th June, 11-12noon with a session focusing on Neighbourhood Watch. All welcome.
Watch out for Police drop-ins or engagement events in your own ward. Visit https://www.humberside.police.uk/area/your-area/ to follow your local Neighbourhood Policing Team.
Footnotes
WatchNotes 24 22nd May 2026
By Karl Elliott, VANEL, NELwatch, HumberWatch
www.nelwatch.org.uk
www.vanel.org.uk
www.nelwatch.org.uk/neighbourstogether
part of Humber Watch Association
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