Doing research for a project I came upon this - on the basis that seeing is better than talking.....
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http://www.respect.gov.uk/members/article.aspx?id=8288
Community walk abouts
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A community walk about is where residents and local service providers – for example the local neighbourhood policing team - get together in daylight and walk around the local neighbourhood. Problems like graffiti, broken street lights or abandoned cars can be identified. Once they have been identified it is important that service providers make a commitment to resolve the problems, or if this is not possible, to explain clearly to the community what can be done.
However, community walk abouts have a broader purpose. They bring the community together and forge links with service providers. Most importantly they provide reassurance to the wider community, who see that people take pride in the area and that problems are tackled.
Walk abouts can be carried out as often as they are needed. However, it’s important that they do occur regularly so that problems are identified early and the community is familiar with the process. Monthly walk abouts are often a good way to start the process – perhaps at a time before problems may occur, such as early on a Friday evening. It’s a good idea to publicise the event in advance so that you get as many people involved as possible.
Community walk abouts are cheap to organise – all you need is commitment from the community and the time of local service providers. However, if you have any resources providing members of the community with high visibility jackets can help raise the profile of the walk about.