Camden dog owners can help to reduce crime in their area by joining a Dog Watch scheme.
The scheme is similar to Neighbourhood Watch. Dog walkers get involved with community concerns and contact the police with information.
Dog Watch schemes can report back on incidents such as:
- Graffiti and vandalism
- Damaged or dangerous pavements/roads or faulty street lights
- Regular incidents of poor driving, speeding, and disobeying traffic signs
- Untaxed cars and abandoned cars
- Insecure homes
- Noise and opening hours at licensed premises
Because dog walkers are out at various times of day and cover large areas this can have an impact on crime reduction. Most criminals will not break into cars or houses if someone is walking by.
Residents should not put themselves at risk by walking in areas where they feel unsafe or by walking later at night.
Dog walkers should make notes when they return home, even if this means they do not get all the details such as the full registration of a vehicle. Standing and taking details in the street can lead to confrontation. If a crime is happening now, or if anyone is in immediate danger, please call 999.
Call 020 7404 1212 if you need police to attend any non-urgent incidents.
If you are interested in setting up a Dog Watch scheme or finding out if there’s one running in your area please contact your Safer Neighbourhoods Team for further information.