Project WO (Watch Out) (2018)

Project Watch Out (WO) (phase 1) is an exciting 1-year project focusing on neighbourhood watch, a community based crime prevention scheme. The UK, the US, Australia have all reaped benefits in setting up similar schemes. Studies show that neighbourhood watch is valued by the community, provides reassurance to local residents, can help reduce crime, and bolsters bonds within the community and with the police.

In its first phase, Project WO involves recruiting a foreign expert to come to Malta to deliver training to our staff, local council representatives, other NGOs, the police etc. The training will include information on how to set up neighbourhood watch, how to adapt it to the local context, strategies to engage local residents, practical tips, common pitfalls and errors.

With the knowledge gained, VSM  will then engage 10 local councils which are witnessing higher crime rates. We aim to recruit local residents via local councils and other organisations, and train them in neighbourhood watch. We hope to enhance knowledge of neighbourhood watch and disseminate best practices amongst residents, that will provide the foundation for the establishment of neighbourhood watch schemes in the future.
For more information on this project please email projects@victimsupport.org.mt

This project is funded by the Social Impact Awards

VSM also thanks ICON and PWC for their support.