OWL (Online Watch Link) - app
- Download the app on the Apple store (opens in a new window).
- Download the app from Google Play (opens in a new window).
Neighbourhood Watch in Hertfordshire currently has more than 160,000 member households who we directly contact and keep informed via the OWL (Online Watch Link) system.
OWL is a secure, award winning website and communication system, developed in Hertfordshire. It stores contact details for all members of Neighbourhood Watch and provides a messaging system, which allows members to receive local news, alerts and crime prevention advice.
Neighbourhood Watch members help to keep their community safe by looking out for their neighbours, keeping an eye on the elderly or vulnerable, watching out for their neighbours’ homes while they are away, and reporting any suspicious activity in their street. They also receive regular crime prevention advice and other local policing updates via the OWL System, informing them about what is happening locally and how they can help, for example to look out for stolen property, find missing people or identify suspects. We also keep our members updated about the latest scams, and how to avoid them.
HertsWatch (opens in a new window) is the county level committee for Neighbourhood Watch and has worked in close partnership with Hertfordshire Constabulary for many years. Neighbourhood Watch is a key way for police to communicate, engage and build positive relationships with our local communities.
Owl app
Thanks to an OWL (Online Watch Link) app, you can now get notifications when your local police officers issue a new alert for your area. You can also view recent alerts, appeals and crime prevention advice, plus the latest scam alerts from ActionFraud (opens in a new window).
Hundreds of police officers use OWL to send alerts, advice and updates directly to the public. Every resident and business is invited to receive instant notifications directly to their mobile or tablet based on their current postcode location. The post code can be changed and multiple nearby zones of interest can be selected.
As well as alerts on residential burglary and vehicle crime, you can choose other interests impacted by crime such as business, shop, dog, horse, rural and canal (varies by location).
No registration is needed and no personally identifiable data is collected. Download the OWL app now to help keep you and your family safe.