This year, to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee, we’re all being encouraged to string up some bunting hold street parties and somehow travel back in time to when people spoke to their neighbours and could leave bunting out without it being nicked.
But is it just possible that the Jubilee (or perhaps the Olympics) could give us an opportunity to get to know our neighbours, to speak to them as equals and form a sense of community?
In some rural villages, there is already a close sense of community and people rely on their neighbours for help and support in times of need – or just enjoy nipping round for a cuppa and a chat. But in many inner-city areas and towns, many people admit to not even knowing their neighbours’ names, or even what they look like.
In such areas, it’s no real surprise that burglaries are rife, because no-one who might notice someone hanging around a house would know that they shouldn’t be there. They might assume that the man climbing through the window dressed in black is perhaps one of the occupants who has lost their key. And anyway, what does it really matter to them if their neighbour’s house gets robbed?
But getting to know our neighbours lets us care about them and look out for them. And if you develop that kind of relationship then why not formalise it into a Neighbourhood Watch scheme? It’s all very well telling your home insurance provider on renewal that you don’t have an alarm but you do have a very observant elderly lady next door who never leaves her window – but that won’t earn you a discount on your premium.
Having a formal Neighbourhood Watch scheme in place will not only make your sense of community and general feeling of safety improve, it should also reduce your home insurance quotes.
Neighbourhood Watch schemes are set up by members of the public working through the police to improve home security in their area and to be more aware of each other’s properties and surroundings. Neighbourhood Watch Trust members can be called upon to co-ordinate the start-up of a new group by putting them in touch with the crime-prevention officer at the local police station. There are home security packs available and plenty of information on how to make your area more secure, and most home insurance providers recognise the reduced risk of burglary (and even of devastating house fires) that this community spirit brings, so they reduce the home insurance quote accordingly.
What many people don’t realise is how useful these neighbourly connections can be in everyday life. When you’re away on a short trip or holiday, having someone next door who can keep an eye on your home adds real value. They might collect your mail, check the front door, or even just make sure nothing unusual is going on outside. These small actions can stop problems before they get worse.
Simple things like switching off a light left on by mistake or noticing an unfamiliar car parked too long outside can help prevent theft or damage. Over time, this kind of attention becomes a habit, creating a safer and more alert environment for everyone on the street.
Insurance companies are well aware of this. Homes in areas with active Neighbourhood Watch programs are seen as lower risk. That means you could see a noticeable drop in your premiums just by being involved in one.
Looking out for each other is not about being intrusive. It’s about creating a place where everyone feels a little safer. And if that also leads to a few savings each year on your insurance bill, it’s a win for everyone. Community matters more than ever, especially when it helps protect your home.
