Neighbourhood Watch is a group of concerned neighbours who combine together with the aim of reducing crime and the fear of crime in their immediate areas.
OWL (Online Watch Link) is a new, innovative and very secure computer-based system designed and developed by Hertfordshire Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) and Hertfordshire Constabulary in partnership. It is already in use in parts of Hertfordshire and is in the process of being introduced in East Herts. It will replace the Ringmaster system and by March 2008 will be the only means of communicating with NHW. Current registered users of Ringmaster will have their contact details transferred to OWL.
OWL has the capability to distribute crime alert messages rapidly through a variety of media including e mail, voice mail and mobile SMS messages. Registered members can select their preferred method of communication and times at which they would prefer not to be contacted, either permanently (eg overnight) or temporarily (eg when on holiday).
OWL also allows members to record incidents, observations and comments in a diary-like fashion. NHW Co-ordinators can subsequently view and search such incidents to gain insight into local concerns or suspicious activity. Registered NHW members can amend their schemes and personal details and Watch Co-ordinators can send messages throughout their watch.
For residents without computer access or who no not wish to be contacted by computer, NHW will still be available and function as normal, with crime alerts being distributed to registered subscribers by automated voice mail or mobile SMS messages.
If you wish to be registered with OWL, please print, complete and return the registration form as shown or use the online form below:
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ONLINE WATCH LINK (OWL) REGISTRATION I wish to register as a Neighbourhood Watch OWL subscriber. Name Address Telephone: Mobile: (required if you wish to receive SMS crime alerts): Preferred means of contact: (e-mail/telephone/mobile/any): Preferred contact times: (eg 0900-2200 or at any time): |
When OWL is introduced throughout East Hertfordshire, registered users will be given password access to the following secure web site:
http://www.owl.co.uk/index.htm
All information provided will be stored securely on OWL and is subject to the Data Protection Act. All information sent to or from your computer will be securely encrypted. Information stored on OWL can be viewed by District, Ward, Area or Watch Co-ordinators appropriate to their level of access and will be used solely by Hertfordshire Neighbourhood Watch.
David Kitching
East Herts District Deputy Community Co-ordinator and Hunsdon Ward Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator