This might be via a questionnaire or a public meeting. Neighbourhood Watch schemes can be as large or small as you want. It depends on the area and what people living there want. A scheme is generally led by a volunteer co-ordinator whose job is to get people working together and make sure things get done. As well as the co-ordinator there is usually a committee who meet regularly to plan which problems to target and what action to take.
Schemes keep in close touch with the local police to share information and advice.
They can target crime problems and take action to prevent them. In consultation with the local police they can find out from local people what crimes most concern and affect them and focus on those specific problems. Most crime is opportunist, committed on the spur of the moment, or when a car or house is left unlocked. This means there is enormous scope for reducing chances for criminals. Traditional Neighbourhood Watch activity has focused on the immediate vicinity of homes.