Vale of Glamorgan Council
Cyngor Bro Morgannwg
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Community Engagement

Community safety groups that stay alert and share information to reduce crime and vandalism

 

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Allotment Watch

 

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Paws on Patrol

business watch icon

Business Watch

 

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Safe Places 

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Neighbourhood Watch

Allotment Watch

Allotment Watch is a community safety initiative. It helps allotment holders stay alert, share information, and reduce crime and vandalism.

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Benefits of Joining Allotment Watch 

  • Stay Informed: Get regular crime updates for allotments.

  • Effective Communication: Share tips and info with the police and other allotment holders.

  • Crime Deterrent: Clear signage and awareness can discourage crime.

  • Community Safety: Protect your plot and promote a safer allotment space.

Why It Matters 

Allotment holders may face theft, vandalism, and other crimes. A strong Allotment Watch scheme acts as a deterrent. Remember, members should never confront suspects.

If you see something suspicious: Stay calm, observe carefully, and report it to the police.

 

  • Call 101 for non-emergencies

 

  • Call 999 if a crime is happening

 

Interested in joining?

Sign Up Here

or email the Community Safety Team for a registration form: 

 

 

  • By signing up, you'll:

    • Stay aware of local issues 

    • Receive crime updates 

    • Help protect your allotment and community

 

Important Reminder:

If you notice suspicious activity, tell your site manager right away. Your observations are crucial - we can’t fight crime without your help.

Business Watch

Supporting Local Businesses, Preventing Crime 

 

What is Business Watch? 

Business Watch is a community-led initiative that uses the “neighbours looking out for neighbours” idea for businesses. It connects local businesses, law enforcement, and community partners to reduce crime and improve safety through communication and teamwork.

 

Why Join? 

By signing up for the free Business Watch Alert System, businesses get timely updates on:

  • Local business-related crime 

  • Emerging cyber threats 

  • Crime prevention tips 

  • Community safety news 

  • Local events and networking opportunities 

Our Objectives: 

  • Promote communication between businesses and statutory partners 

  • Strengthen cooperation among business owners 

  • Educate on crime prevention techniques 

  • Encourage vigilance and mutual support 

  • Develop rapid communication channels for sharing alerts, CCTV successes, safety updates, and information on local events 

For more details, or to sign up to Business Watch scheme in your area, please contact us:

 

Together, we can build a safer, stronger business community. 

 

Neighbourhood Watch

What Is Neighbourhood Watch (NHW)? 

Neighbourhood Watch is a community-led initiative where residents come together to help keep their area safe, connected, and informed. A volunteer Co-ordinator helps organise and run the Watch. 

 

What Makes a Watch Successful? 

  • Caring about the safety of the local and wider community 

  • Building strong links with the Safer Vale Partnership and other agencies 

  • Sharing and following crime prevention advice 

  • Promoting vigilance and a strong community spirit 

Each Watch is independent, supported by the Vale of Glamorgan NHW Committee, but not run by them. 
It’s all about looking out for one another and building a safer, more caring neighbourhood. 

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How to Set Up a Watch 

  1. Contact the Vale of Glamorgan Neighbourhood Watch:

     

  1. A member will send you an information pack 

  1. If you decide to become a Co-ordinator, a meeting will be arranged with: 

  • You (the Co-ordinator) 

  • A NHW Committee member 

  • A Community Safety Officer 

  1. During the meeting: 

  • Paperwork will be explained and completed 

  • Forms will be submitted by the Community Safety Officer 

  1. Once approved, you’ll receive: 

  • A welcome letter 

  • Confirmation of free public liability insurance 

  • Permission to install a street sign 

  • Access to the Community Messaging system 

Paws on Patrol

What is Paws on Patrol? 

Paws on Patrol is a community initiative that encourages dog walkers to help protect their neighbourhoods by being extra eyes and ears while out and about. 

It’s about building community spirit, reducing opportunities for crime and anti-social behaviour, and helping people—especially the vulnerable—feel safer. 

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What Does Being a Member Mean? 

As a member, you’re encouraged to: 

  • Report suspicious behaviour 

  • Report fly tipping 

  • Report deliberate fire setting 

  • Your role is to observe, report, and help gather evidence.

Aims of Paws on Patrol 

  • Reduce opportunities for crime and anti-social behaviour 

  • Reduce the fear of crime, especially among vulnerable residents 

  • Build a community spirit where dog walkers help protect their neighbourhood 

Please Note: 
Members of Paws on Patrol are not vigilantes. 
Stopping crime is the job of the Police. 

 
Paws on Patrol is about sharing information with the Vale of Glamorgan Council, South Wales Police and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and to help make communities safer. 

 

Interested in Joining?

Registration Form

or email the Community Safety Team to request a registration form: 

 

 

Safe Places

What Is the Safe Places Scheme? 

Safe Places is a community initiative designed to support potentially vulnerable young people and adults. It provides a network of trusted locations where individuals can go if they feel unsafe, lost, or in need of help while out in public. 

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What Is a Safe Place? 

A Safe Place can be a: 

  • Shop 

  • Office 

  • Café 

  • Library 

  • Public building 

All Safe Places display the Safe Places logo so they’re easy to identify. 

 

Safe Places in the Vale of Glamorgan:

  • Barry

    • Eto by Awesome Wales 

    • Barnardo’s 

    • Peacocks 

    • TL Computer Systems 

    • Empress Piecing 

    • The Well Being Shop 

    • Marie Curie 

    • The Heavenly Vegan Coffi 

    • Cwtch Coffee 

    • Crafted Arts 

    • High Street Coffee Quarter 

    • Barry Library 

  • Llantwit Major 

    • The Old Swan Inn 

    • The Tudor Tavern 

    • The White Hart 

    • Llantwit Major Football Club 

    • Llantwit Major Rugby Club 

    • Filco Llantwit Major 

    • Spar Llantwit Major 

    • Toymaster Llantwit Major 

    • Chris Williams Optometrist 

    • Pastures Green 

    • Coast Café 

    • Llantwit Major Library 

  • Penarth 

    • Penarth Library 

    • Golden Lion Pub 

    • Albion Pub 

 

Why Become a Safe Place?

  • Increases public awareness of your business or service 

  • Improves your community image 

  • Helps people feel confident and supported when out alone 

  • Contributes to making the Vale of Glamorgan a safer place 

ShapeDownload the Safe Places App 

The Safe Places app is free and shows all registered Safe Places in the Vale. 
Available on the App Store and Google Play. 

 

Want to Join the Scheme?

Businesses can email:

You’ll receive a registration form asking for: 

  • Venue name 

  • Address 

  • Opening hours