Community safety

Up to the minute crime prevention advice, crime appeals, public order or other information on policing matters.

Harrow Police have a messaging system called 'Ringmaster', which has had a significant impact on crime and anti-social activity in many parts of the United Kingdom.

The 'Ringmaster' computer records a message from the police or Harrow Neighbourhood Watch and then sends it by telephone to members who are participating in the scheme.

The purpose of the system is to keep members informed and involved in policing issues. Messages will consist of up to the minute crime prevention advice, crime appeals, public order or other information on policing matters.

As a member of Harrow Neighbourhood Watch you are invited to sign up to the 'Ringmaster' system. You will receive information from the police intelligence unit about suspects' descriptions, methods used to commit crime and anything else that would be of use to you.

The information will allow you to protect yourself and your neighbourhood, it will also assist in preventing further offences and aid the arrest of offenders. We will ensure that, as far as possible you receive only those messages relevant to you and your immediate area.

If you have an answer machine or you want to prevent the message being delivered to the first person that picks up the phone, i.e. your children, you can request a PIN number access. The PIN number is 123 and the 'Ringmaster' message will prompt you to press this before it delivers the message over the phone.

Both Harrow Neighbourhood Watch and Harrow Police are fully compliant with the Data Protection Act.

Harrow Police have invested in 'Ringmaster' because it is an effective way of preventing crime and anti-social behaviour, detecting offenders and keeping Harrow residents informed. This service is provided free of charge to members of Harrow Neighbourhood Watch.