During Neighbourhood Watch Week, Kent Police were encouraging local communities not already involved to set up a scheme to help prevent crime and protect vulnerable and elderly people.

The annual event focused on developing safer communities with a series of local displays in town centres, supermarkets and village meetings.

In Maidstone, information was posted on digital notice boards to raise awareness of the week.

Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator PC Mick Wright said: "Neighbourhood Watch Week is an ideal opportunity to promote the links between Neighbourhood Watch and Neighbourhood Policing, as well as the role of volunteers in promoting community safety.

"This year, the Week focused on encouraging people to work together to make their local area a safer place to live as well as support the growth and expansion of Neighbourhood Watch schemes."

PC Wright added: "Activities also highlighted how Neighbourhood Watch scheme members can work closely with neighbourhood police officers to help prevent and detect crime.

"Neighbourhood Watch is a valuable scheme providing home security and other crime prevention advice. Kent Police works closely with watch members to help communities prevent crime by gathering information, which officers can use to tackle local issues. We encourage people to join, as it has been shown that people in a scheme are 10 times less likely to become a victim of crime."

Neighbourhood Watch has operated in Kent since 1984. There are 6,590 watches in the county, including Farm Watch and Horse Watch, which embrace around 325,000 households.

To become involved in Neighbourhood Watch, please contact PC Mick Wright, County Watch Liaison Officer, on 01622 654143.

(Courtesy of Citylocal, Tunbridge Wells.)