RESIDENTS in the Queens Park area are being urged to set up more HomeWatch schemes to reduce the risk of crime.

Sergeant Bill Clarke, in charge of policing in the area, told the Star: "The HomeWatch schemes have prevented a number of potential crimes. For example, a few months ago we got a call from a Rainford resident who spotted a car which she had never seen before parked suspiciously in her road.

"An officer went round to check it out and we caught a couple who had been burgling a house nearby.

"Obviously this doesn't always happen but however minor you think the information is, please pass it on and we will respond."

If you would like to set up a HomeWatch scheme in your area, contact Alison Armitt at St Helens Police Crime Prevention Department on 0151 777 6058.

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