POLICE in Hapton are asking residents to become "partners in crime" by helping set up a new Neighbourhood Watch.

Community beat manager Tony Himycz is hoping to set up a new scheme to cover the Castle Street, Wordsworth Street, Water Street, Manchester Road, Simpson Street, Bridgefield Street, Whitefield Street, Church Street, The Stables, Wood Street and Norton Street areas.

Letters and questionnaires have been sent to homes and PC Himycz hopes residents will sign up.

Neighbourhood Watch is one of the most effective examples of the community working together to reduce the fear of crime. More than 155,000 Neighbourhood Watch schemes operate throughout the UK covering up to 25 per cent of all households.

PC Himycz said: "This is a tried and tested way of preventing and deterring criminal activity. We have a number of successful schemes up and running, so I see no reason why we can't enjoy the same degree of success in Hapton.

"I urge everyone who has a questionnaire to give some thought to the role they can play in keeping crime levels low. I am confident we can make a real difference to crime and disorder issues."