Recognising Hertsmere's good neighbours

Two women from Hertsmere have been recognised for their contribution to community safety at an awards ceremony.

Karen McKenzie-Cook of Borehamwood and Avis Sacks of Bushey picked up Good Neighbour Awards at the Hertsmere Borough Neighbourhood Watch Conference in Borehamwood yesterday (Thursday 28 February).

Karen, who is neighbourhood watch area co-ordinator for Felton Close and Tuxford Close, was nominated for her award by a neighbour.

She routinely checks on her neighbours, especially those who are elderly or vulnerable, to ensure they are safe and well.

Avis helped to re-launch the Paynesfield Road neighbourhood watch scheme last year. It had become inactive because no-one was co-ordinating it.

She encouraged all the residents on her road to sign up to the scheme and register with Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Online Watch Link (OWL).

Both were presented with their awards by Hertfordshire Constabulary's watch liaison officer Derrick Sweeney at the annual conference organised by Hertsmere Community Safety Partnership (CSP), which includes Hertsmere Borough Council (HBC) and Hertsmere Borough Neighbourhood Watch.

Councillor Charles Goldstein, portfolio holder for community safety and chairman of Hertsmere CSP, said: “Well done to Karen and Avis on their awards. Their efforts show the difference one person can make to their community.

“The conference was an opportunity for all watch volunteers across the borough to come together, share experiences and celebrate their achievements so far.

“During the evening, information was available from Hertsmere CSP, Hertfordshire Constabulary, Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue, and a wide range of agencies who work to keep the borough safe.

“It was also a great way for the different agencies to learn more about the watch scheme and what we can do to help ensure it continues to grow and thrive.”

Chairman of Hertsmere Borough Watch Association, Ian Smith, said: “If you want to make a positive contribution to your community and help keep the streets where you live safe, then being a neighbourhood watch volunteer can make that difference.

“I am very proud of our volunteers and their achievements so far, and I hope that it will serve as a model for others to follow.

“The more people keeping an eye on their neighbourhoods, the better for everyone.”

Hertsmere Neighbourhood Inspector, Richard Johnson, said: “We rely on our neighbourhood watch members, who are the eyes and ears of the community in which they live. They supplement policing and the work of the CSP.

“Not only are they able to let us know about suspicious behaviour but they also instil a sense of community pride, which has a knock-on effect of improving residents’ quality of life.

“Karen and Avis are role-models and their voluntary contribution is invaluable.”

During the conference, which was held at HBC's Civic Offices, talks were also given by Insp Johnson, fire-fighter and founder of youth charity Box Cleva Bob Williams, and PC Irfan Ishaq of Hertfordshire Police.

For more information about neighbourhood watch and how to join a scheme, go to OWL or call the police on 01707 354192.