Staffordshire Police is giving young people the chance to prove how neighbourly they are with the launch of Junior Watch.

The scheme is being introduced to help young people and their families work together with the police to help people feel safe and reassured in their communities.

The scheme for children aged 7 – 11, in Years 5 and 6, has been launched as part of Neighbourhood Watch week (14 – 20 June). It joins 34 other specific Watch schemes in Staffordshire.

Junior Watch is being launched in participating schools across Staffordshire to encourage children to care for their neighbourhoods, reduce crime opportunities and encourage parents and relatives to join Neighbourhood Watch.

Neighbourhood Watch managers, assisted by local PCSOs, will give a presentation to Years 5 and 6 pupils, aged 7 – 11. Each child will be given information about the scheme, a confidential reporting notebook and the chance to enter a poster competition. The competition will encourage the children to look at crime prevention measures to protect themselves, their homes and schools.

The three winning entries from each school will be invited to visit a local police station or see a police vehicle and officers at the school.

Beverley Rounds, from the Citizens Focus Project Team, said: “This is a way to help children learn about crime prevention measures and pass them on to their parents, relatives and friends.

“Last year the Online Watch Link system (OWL) was set up to pass messages to neighbourhood watch members about crime in their area and crime prevention advice. Currently there are 3,850 watch schemes in Staffordshire with 13,747 addresses registered to receive messages by email, phone, text or fax. During that time 3,000 messages have gone out.

“A school co-ordinator of Junior Watch will receive messages that can be passed to the pupils in the scheme.

"Members are encouraged to keep an eye out for anything suspicious and pass that information to the police which when actioned can help reduce crime in our communities.”

To find out more about all the Watch schemes click here.