POLICE in St Helens are helping to step up security in the town's parks following an increasing number of reported incidents of assaults and other criminal incidents.

Officers have joined forces with St Helens Council's Ranger Service to set up the 'Parkwatch' scheme initially focusing on Taylor Park.

In the last few months there have been a number of reported indecent exposure incidents within the park area and police are now hoping to put a stop to this with an increased presence throughout the day and evening.