Neighbourhood Watch is launching a campaign in partnership with cybersecurity firm Avast and the University of Birmingham called Cyberhood Watch. We need your help.

Cyber security and online fraud are key areas of concern for Neighbourhood Watch members. So that’s why we have teamed up with cybersecurity firm Avast for a campaign known as Cyberhood Watch.

Avast want to learn more about how people are affected by cybercrime as well as help local communities decipher the vast array of information and advice out there about protecting yourself online. The partnership, which will initially span 12 months, will launch in the press and media on 5th November.

Cyberhood Watch is focused on helping people get the information and tools to better protect themselves. Avast will offer training to a group of Neighbourhood Watch representatives who will become ‘Cyberhood Watch Ambassadors’. They will help members understand the risks and get advice to protect themselves from cybercrime.

We will be talking to the media to help spread the Cyberhood Watch message, and as part of that activity, we are looking for local representatives and members who have been personally affected by cybercrime (or know someone else who has) and are willing to share their experiences to help others.

We are looking for:

• Representatives in the East of England who are interested in taking part in a pilot Cyberhood Watch training programme. A selected group of reps from Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex will gain accredited ambassador status so that they can help, support and educate local members on the prevention of cybercrime

• Members across all regions who are interested in being a local media spokesperson for this campaign. The requirements would vary according to media interest, but typically it would involve you providing a quote for a press release giving your thoughts and potentially speaking to local journalists about your involvement with Cyberhood Watch

• Case studies of members who have been affected by cybercrime. We appreciate it can be a sensitive matter, but we are keen for those who have fallen victim to share their stories as it can help prevent it happening to someone else by spreading awareness. If you have experienced cybercrime and are willing to talk about it publicly please get in touch. (If you wish to do this anonymously, this is not a problem).

To take part contact Amy Mawby.

Cyberhood Watch survey

Over 14,000 members completed the Cyberhood Watch cybercrime survey over the summer. The data will prove invaluable for the campaign helping Avast create tailored resources and content for you and ensuring you feel better equipped to protect yourselves against cybercrime. It will also be used in an academic report from the University of Birmingham to be published later this year. Thank you to those who responded. As part of our ongoing partnership with Avast and the University of Birmingham, we may run further surveys and ask for your input and opinion as we continue to shape the support available to you.

Karin Lucker, a coordinator in Hampshire, was the lucky winner of the £50 Marks and Spencer gift card. The win coincided with her birthday so she’ll now be treating herself to not just any shopping spree but an M&S shopping spree.