It was a rainy Saturday morning and Angela was waiting impatiently for her friends. She wandered into the kitchen.
“Mum, what’s that new sticker in the front window?” she asked.
“That? It shows we belong to Neighbourhood Watch,” replied Mrs Nicely. “We joined last week.”
Angela frowned. “What’s that?”
“It’s a sort of club,” explained Mrs Nicely. “The idea is we all keep an eye on our neighbours’ houses.”
“To see what they’re up to?” asked Angela. It sounded fun. She’d like to know what people on her road were doing.
“No,” said Mrs Nicely. “To watch out for anything suspicious – like someone nosing around or trying to get in.”
Angela’s eyes grew big. “You mean like a burglar!”
“I’m sure there aren’t any burglars,” said Mrs Nicely. “But if there were, Neighbourhood Watch will warn them to keep away.”
Angela thought this over.
“Can I be in the club?” she asked.
“It’s not for children,” said Mrs Nicely.
“Why not?”
“Because it isn’t!” groaned Mrs Nicely. The trouble with Angela was that her questions went on forever.
“I’d be good at watching,” said Angela. “I can watch TV for hours.”
“That’s different,” said Mrs Nicely. “But if you really want to help, we can all keep an eye out.”
“What for?” said Angela.
“I don’t know, anything out of the ordinary!” sighed Mrs Nicely. “Now please, go and find something to do!”
Angela went upstairs to wait for Maisie and Laura. It was still raining. From her bedroom window she could see the houses across the road. It would be easy to keep an eye on them.
Angela thought she’d be good at watching neighbours. Her mum was always saying it was rude to be nosey – but in the Neighbourhood Watch club, nosiness was encouraged! What was it her mum had said? Look out for anything “out of the ordinary”. She could keep an eye on Bertie next door, but all he did was mess around with slimy slugs and worms.
Across the road at number 14, Mr Monk was sweeping his driveway.
Hmm, thought Angela, if anyone looked suspicious it was mean old Mr Monk. He had a tiny moustache, which looked like it was stuck on as a disguise. What’s more, he hated children and didn’t like them playing on the street. Maybe there was a reason? Maybe Mr Monk had something to hide! Someone ought to keep an eye on him, thought Angela, and she had the perfect view from her window.
