Our News May 2026 is here!

Hello Neighbours, 

We have another bumper crop of interesting news from the network to share this month. We are cramming so much in, I’m genuinely considering going to a fortnightly format. I wonder if shorter newsletters every other week, might be easier to read. If you have strong views either to keep this monthly, or to move to fortnightly updates, please let me know in this very basic straw poll.

Highlights this month include

Crime and Policing Bill receives Royal Assent, giving police new powers 

The Crime and Policing Act has over 70 measures including tougher police powers to crackdown on antisocial behaviour and retail crime by introducing Respect Orders so police can ban repeat offenders from town centres and other locations. Other measures include new legislation on the sale of knives and introducing an offence for assaulting a retail worker with a possible sentence of six months in prison. Find out more on our website.

National Cyber Security Centre: leave passwords in the past 

Overhauling decades of security practice, the National Cyber Security Centre, a part of GCHQ, has taken the decision to no longer recommend individuals use passwords where passkeys are available because passwords lack the relative resilience to modern cyber threats. We’re working with experts on updating our guidance at Neighbourhood Watch but you can find out more from NCSC here. 

Get a sneak peek at the Neighbourhood Watch podcast

We’ve finished recording the first four episodes of the Neighbourhood Watch podcast, hosted by BBC Radio 4’s Alfie Moore. It’s shaping up to be a fascinating series, talking to a range of celebrities about the communities they grew up in and their experiences of crime. Get a sneak peek of Andy Bush talking about how his parents were scammed online, here. 

Fundraise while you shop online

Did you know that when you buy things online, you could be raising free donations for Neighbourhood Watch Network? 8,000 retailers, including eBay, Argos, John Lewis & Partners, ASOS, Booking.com and M&S, are ready to donate, and it won’t cost you a penny! Each time you shop online, visit the easyfundraising site first, to find the retailer you want. After you’ve checked out, they will donate to Neighbourhood Watch Network at no extra cost to you. Go to Easyfundraising and join for free. 

Summer is coming – make sure you are covered before you travel

We’ve partnered with Staysure, the UK’s favourite travel insurance provider with over 20 years’ experience and more 5-star Trustpilot reviews than any other provider. Their cover includes options to suit different trips, with 24/7 emergency medical assistance and cover for pre-existing medical conditions. Having the right protection in place can help you travel with confidence. Find out more. - Ad

Neighbourhood Watch Community Grant update

Nuneaton Neighbourhood Watch helped raise funds for bleed kits so they could be placed around the area to help someone in need. Chris Ellis, who lost his son Tom in a knife attack in 2024, presented bleed kits to the local community in a bid to save others' lives. Brian Stansfield from Neighbourhood Watch said the kits will be given to local businesses and schools. He added: “We all know the terrible incident that happened in Nuneaton town centre and are making it our mission to prevent further needless loss of life.” Read the BBC news story here. 

Heading off on a long weekend trip this bank holiday?

It’s important to remember to properly protect your home while you’re away. Sumier Foster-Shah, Customer Service Manager at ERA, shares the simple steps that you can take to make sure you have peace of mind while you’re away from your property, and enjoy your holiday, read more here – Ad. 

Say it with flowers! 

Want to say a big thank you to a local hero, friend, neighbour, or community champion? We've partnered with Flower Station to celebrate the spirit of community with a stunning Neighbourhood Watch bouquet, perfectly reflecting our iconic brand colours. Flower Station will donate 10% of the sale proceeds to supporting community grants. Check out the Neighbourhood Watch shop to find out more.

Knife Crime awareness webinar

We were very grateful to Anoushka Dunic from the Ben Kinsella Trust for hosting a webinar on knife crime to mark Stephen Lawrence Day on 22 April. The session covers sensitive topics but it’s a very practical insight into the drivers of knife crime and violence, how to support young people and where to go for support. Catch up with the webinar here. 

Neighbourhood Watch Lottery update 

Last month one of our lucky NW lottery players won £224.16, congratulations! The lottery generates a steady source of income for us to deliver national projects, support our volunteers and make more of an impact. You too can support Neighbourhood Watch and be in with a chance to win up to £25,000 a week. Play One Lottery here. 

Tougher measures targeting antisocial behaviour become law

The Crime and Policing Act has now received Royal Assent. This means that people who wreak havoc on local communities face tough new restrictions under new laws. New measures include Respect Orders that will let police and councils crack down on persistent adult offenders.  Police are also being handed tougher powers to seize vehicles linked to anti-social behaviour. Find out more.  

Volunteer spotlight - Blackpool 

Nathan Burrell, a Coordinator from Blackpool, took part in a local community outreach event to celebrate the Muslim festival of Eid. It was held at the Bispham community centre and brought together a whole community to support each other and celebrate. Nathan also helped organise a crime prevention event at Barclays in Blackpool, with police and staff promoting scam awareness to local bank customers.

Association spotlight - Suffolk 

Tony Spall and Nick King recently shared the incredible work being done by Neighbourhood Watch in Suffolk.  For over 30 years, Neighbourhood Watch in Suffolk was run by the local police, but it’s been successfully managed by volunteers since 2016. They are currently running two funded projects: ‘Working for a Safer Suffolk’ and ‘Suffolk Connected’. Find out more about their impact on the Suffolk Neighbourhood Watch Association website. 

Learn about online grooming in children and young people

Breck Bednar was just 14 when he was groomed online. After being manipulated for a year, he was lured to a flat, where he was murdered by his online groomer. Breck’s mother, Lorin, founded the Breck Foundation so no other family should suffer the same fate. They provide information and education on how to spot the signs of grooming and keep young people safe. Find out more about the Breck Bednar foundation. 

Neighbourhood Watch Week 

Is just a month away, and we’ll be offering Communi-Tea event packs in our shop soon. We got the whole team involved in packing, look at this teamwork! Each pack will include event posters, invitations, balloons, stickers, leaflets and tea. They will be available in the Neighbourhood Watch shop soon, watch out for updates in your inbox. 

And that is all for this month. If you’d prefer to have an online version of the newsletter to print, you can find that here. As ever, I love to know what you think, what could be better. It's always so helpful to have feedback. 

Best wishes

Charmian