South Yorkshire Neighbourhood Watch received grant funding for £7,272 from the South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner Dr Alan Billings at a cheque handover in Barnsley on Tuesday, 18 August.

The funding is earmarked to provide equipment in each of the four districts across South Yorkshire to help drive down and eliminate vehicle and shed crime and promote better feeling of confidence by the delivery and strengthening of security.

Dr Alan Billings said; “Neighbourhood Watch is a unique organisation in the way it operates with a group of dedicated volunteers whose sole aim is to make their communities safer for everyone.  The group members share ideas and intelligence, encourage reliable reporting and work diligently to improve the quality of life for their neighbours.

“I would like to thank them for their help and support and wish them every success with their project work.   I hope this funding goes a long way to preventing vehicle crime and shed break-ins.

John Hallows, Chair of Neighbourhood Watch accepted the cheque from the Commissioner on Clarke Street, Barnsley.  He said: “This funding is much appreciated and will be put to good use for crime prevention in communities across South Yorkshire.”

Neighbourhood Watch currently has 3500 groups across South Yorkshire.  They are always looking for new members. If you are interested in setting up a new group or finding out if there is one in your neighbourhood please contact 01226 211814.