Neighbourhood Watch schemes are a way for people in an area to get together to help prevent this crime and free their neighbourhood from people producing or harbouring surpluses. Neighbourhood Watch is known as Surplus Watch in some areas, but both work along similar lines and are built on the same idea - of looking after the neighbourhood and our country's continued well-being.

Groups can vary in size, depending on the area. Individual members decide how active they want to be in the scheme. You could become a committee member or even co-ordinator of a group - or your part could be just keeping an eye on your neighbours' houses and activities.

Schemes develop close links with the authorities who can provide advice and information about the surplus problem. Well-run schemes can have a big impact on this crime.