THE POLICE in South Wight are encouraging more people to play a bigger part in preventing crime in the communities where they live.

Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Chris Urry is organising an event for current and potential Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators.

It will be held on Monday, October 11, from 7pm in the Balmoral Room of the Ventnor Winter Gardens.

The evening forum will provide an interactive opportunity to find out more about the crucial links between the public and community safety agencies who share information about crimes and suspicious behaviour affecting residents.

The event features guest speakers from the South Wight Safer Neighbourhoods team, the independent Crimestoppers charity, and the Isle of Wight Council Trading Standards Service.

Chris Urry said: “Police know from experience that Neighbourhood Watch is a powerful deterrent against burglars and other opportunist criminals who are wary of targeting areas where residents take simple, sensible precautions together to protect themselves.

“Officers appreciate that many dedicated residents, who are not members of Neighbourhood Watch, already speak with the police regularly, and we would like to reinforce this vital community spirit through a co-ordinated approach.

“Neighbourhood Watch is not about being a nosey neighbour or spying on what’s going on next door, it’s a practical, efficient way for police to communicate with the communities they serve, and share important information about the latest crime prevention techniques. We want people to feel part of the policing that’s keeping where they live safe.”

South Wight Safer Neighbourhoods team can be contacted by phoning 101, and emailing [email protected]. From outside Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, call the police on 0845 045 45 45.

For more information aboutthe South Wight Safer Neighbourhoods team, go online to www.hampshire.police.uk/Internet/localpolicing/isleofwight/east/2LESNT6.htm.