WHAT IS VECINOS COLABORANDO ? ( Neighbourhood Watch)

Vecinos Colaborando is a community group whereby the people of an area organise themselves in an effort to combat crime. They adopt the thinking “if it affects my street or my neighbour then it affects me”.

WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF VECINOS COLABORANDO ?

In the late 1970’s in a poor area of Alabama in the southern United States of America, the residents were being subjected daily to street crime, car crime, drug related abuse, assaults and thefts. The police would appear but once they had gone, crime continued. The residents decided to take action by noting suspicious persons and incidents, and reporting these to the police who then responded, with the result that the criminals either moved on or were arrested by the police. Vecinos Colaborando groups are now in existence in a number of different countries throughout the world.

WHAT ARE THE OBJECTIVES OF VECINOS COLABORANDO ?

To inform the Policia Local or Guardia Civil of the occurrence of suspicious incidents.
To quickly alert all residents of the occurrence of suspicious incidents.
To keep residents informed of different types of crime being committed in the area.
To advise generally how residents can protect their property and themselves.

WHY DO WE NEED VECINOS COLABORANDO ?
By noting suspicious persons or incidents and informing the Policia Local or Guardia. we can help them to help us to protect ourselves and our property, and generally make our areas safer to live in. It will also bring communities together.

WILL THIS REDUCE CRIME ?
Hopefully YES. It has shown to be so in America and in other European countries.

However, it can only play a part in reducing crime, and the more groups of residents participating, the more effective it will be.

DOES VECINOS COLABORANDO HAVE THE BACKING OF THE AUTHORITIES ? 

Vecinos Colaborando is greatly supported by the Town Hall. The Policia Local and Guardia Civil respect, and are enthusiastic about the co-operation they receive from Vecinos Colaborando groups.


WHAT VECINOS COLABORANDO DO NOT DO
Groups do not patrol streets.
Members do not carry sticks or other weapons.
Members do not confront suspicious persons.
These activities are only for the the Policia Local or Guardia Civil.


HOW CAN WE GET INVOLVED ?
In Altea Vecinos Colaborando is organised in association with the Town Hall and can only operate so. If you are interested in starting a group in your area contact :

► http://www.urbaextra.net/nws/content/contact.htm