ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the authors present a case study which discusses citizens' co-production activities in the domain of safety, more specifically neighbourhood watch schemes in the Netherlands and Belgium. Members of neighbourhood watch schemes keep an eye on their neighbourhoods. Furthermore, neighbourhood watch schemes draw their fellow neighbours' attention to windows or back doors not being closed, making it possible for burglars to sneak in. Through the neighbourhood watch schemes, local governments and the police thus collaborate with citizens to increase social control, tackle antisocial behaviour, stimulate prevention, and increase safety and liveability in the neighbourhood. The authors analyse the opinions of Dutch and Belgian members of neighbourhood watch schemes regarding their motivations to become engaged in neighbourhood watch schemes, and found these are quite diverse. Actively involving citizens in the co-production of safety and liveability issues has advantages, but also entails important risks.
