POLICE are encouraging residents across Thornbury, Tytherington, Falfield and Alveston to help make their communities a safer place by joining the neighbourhood watch scheme.

Volunteer co-ordinators are being sought out to set up and run new watches across the area, who the police say “act as their eyes and ears in the community”.

PCSO Sheryl Drewitt said: “Being a co-ordinator needn’t be difficult or time consuming, you can put in to it as much time as you can give.

“It’s primarily about keeping in regular contact with Police and to ensure that your neighbours are aware of matters affecting their area.

“We currently have 47 co-ordinators that do an amazing job for us and are our eyes and ears in the community but always looking to recruit more.

“There are clear benefits to joining a neighbourhood watch scheme for you and your local community.

“It shows that members of a community are looking out for each other and keeps you up to date with what’s going on in your area, working closely with the police, helps to prevent and tackle crime.”

To find out more about the benefits of Neighbourhood Watch, visit www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/nhw and fill in the General contact and enquiry form.

You can also contact Trevor Wilmot by calling 0117 9286063 or e-mailing trevor.wilmot@avonandsomerset.police.uk for further information.