A NEW Neighbourhood Watch scheme has been formed in the north east.Members of the Crabbe Street organisation held their inaugural meeting last month and are forging tight links in their fight against crime.

A NEW Neighbourhood Watch scheme has been formed in the north east.

Members of the Crabbe Street organisation held their inaugural meeting last month and are forging tight links in their fight against crime.

Co-ordinator Tessa Forsdike, said: "The support of people in the street is very good. More people are talking to their neighbours and recognising who is at home at different parts of the day.

"Even just having the signs up at the end of the road and the stickers in the windows means that burglars are likely to go somewhere else."

The group, which covers the 55 households in Crabbe Street and Aldeburgh Gardens, have several weapons in their armoury.

Among them is a regular newsletter, social events to build friendships, a video advising how to protect your home and, perhaps most importantly, increased vigilance.

The newsletter includes information about what to do when going on holiday, useful contact details and how you could reduce your insurance premium as result of being in the scheme.

They will also be using Comnet, an automated telephone system that links them to the police.

In cases of suspicious activity, the police can contact Neighbourhood Watch members, who then call other residents in the street, making everyone aware of the situation.

Mrs Forsdike, a homeopath, said: "It is based on community spirit. Some people may be put off by the idea because they think it will be a lot of work, but if you spread the load it is more manageable."

Anthea Pipe, Neighbourhood Watch liaison officer, has welcomed the new group.

She said: "The more schemes we can get the better. So far the Crabbe Street group seem to be absolutely fantastic.

"They have got very good community support already and seem to work well together, which is what it is all about."

If you have any news from the north east, call Simon Tomlinson on 01473 324838 or e-mail him at simon.tomlinson@eveningstar.co.uk.