Neighbourhood watch AIBU to not know?

[Cellnet]

Hi, all...

So I know some of you are going to think I am being stupid but...

What is it that Neighbourhood watch do? I have never lived anywhere with it.

Of course I have seen the signs about over the years but never really gave any thought.

My friend has moved house and these signs are up on her street, it's such a quiet street! I can't help feeling it's just sad people with no life looking out their nets?

I mean do they do anything or is it just a "club" of nosiness?
Also what happens if you piss them off? Fall out with them? Do they kick you out your own house? Egg your car? Brick your windows? Petrol bomb you?

Ok, ok. I got carried away there, but really what do they do? Do you have to pay them?

It's all unknown to me. AIBU for not having any clue?

I know I should just ask my friend but thought I would ask here instead, yes so I don't look like a total pleb lol.

www.ourwatch.org.uk/about-us/

In our neighborhood we make it a point to know our near neighbors by sight and to know their cars. If a truck is pulled up at the house across the street and I know they are at work at that time, I can call them (we have a phone list) and confirm that the truck is authorized.
Also if any crime- vandalism, car break ins, etc. happen anywhere in the community we are notified by text message immediately.
I live on a cul-de-sac and there was a car just sitting there midday, with a single male occupant. The car had no markings and the occupant did not go to any of the houses. After 20 minutes, I called the police and reported a suspicious vehicle. About four minutes later the man got out of his car, walked to my door, and through the peephole showed me his badge. I had reported a plainclothes policeman on stakeout. I apologized but he said it was the exactly correct thing to do.

Thank you for the link. But it does not really say what they do? Or answer my questions.

How do they stop crime and anti-social behaviour though?
Do they have legal power? Or do they just watch all the time and call then cops if something is amiss?

What happens if someone pulls up just to eat a sandwich in their car? Do they get the cops called on them? Would it be classed as wasting police time?

Also how do they bring neighbours together? Do they have street parties and the like? Is that allowed if it's blocking a road? Do they have the power to do that?

"I can't help feeling it's just sad people with no life looking out their nets?"

Yes that's exactly what people who value their community are.

@ponoka7 I'm sorry, you are right. I should have worded it better.

I did not mean any offence. I just typed as I thought out loud. I should have been more careful with my words.

GeorgiaGirl explained it well :) My parents live in a neighbourhood watch area. I found it very reassuring as a teen, the neighbours all knew who I was and I knew where I could go to get help if I needed it. Now my dad's passed and my mum is vulnerable, elderly, and alone I am grateful for the Watch who keep an eye out for her.