North Yorkshire
Crime-fighting scheme re-launched
A RE-VAMPED crime-fighting scheme is to be launched in one of North Yorkshire's market towns.
Bedale's Neighbourhood Watch scheme is being given a face-lift by the police.
The re-packaging of the project is being led by Bedale's Safer Neighbourhood Police Team.
Special meetings are being held next week for existing scheme co-ordinators and those who want to start a scheme.
Police officers covering Bedale and the surrounding areas will be there with a member of the Hambleton Community Safety Partnership.
PC Lee Featherstone, of the Bedale Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: "I strongly believe in neighbourhood watch and the benefits it brings to communities.
"It reduces crime, fosters good strong working relationships with local police and partners and enhances neighbourhood relationships.
"Sadly over recent years some of that community spirit has been lost.
"Fewer people know or care about their neighbours or someone else's property. Issues are thought to be other people's problems and they are rarely resolved.
"But through neighbourhood watch we have an opportunity to change all that."
The meetings are at the Lodge, at Leeming Bar, near Bedale, on Thursday, May 22 at 7pm and Friday, May 23 at 2pm.
Further meetings are being planned for people interested in setting up new schemes.
PC Featherstone said: "Neighbourhood watch is not all about preventing crime - it could be about helping drive an elderly neighbour to the shops once a week or offering to help with the garden when a neighbour is ill.
"It doesn't take up much time, but it makes a huge difference to the community where you live."
Bedale town councillor Bob Pocklington, the town's deputy mayor, said: "The fact is a neighbourhood watch scheme is a slight deterrent to some criminals.
"I'm sure it's a good idea as people see things and don't bother doing anything and then later wish they had.
"If people are likely to report something they see if they think it's suspicious, then it's worth trying.
"People here feel we have our problems and they should be attended to."
2:54pm Wednesday 14th May 2008
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