RESIDENTS are queuing up to join the fight against crime. Neighbourhood Watch groups in Biggleswade, Sandy and Potton are growing with more areas in all three towns being covered by the volunteers as they attempt to reduce crime. The bad news for the crim

RESIDENTS are queuing up to join the fight against crime.

Neighbourhood Watch groups in Biggleswade, Sandy and Potton are growing with more areas in all three towns being covered by the volunteers as they attempt to reduce crime.

The bad news for the criminal comes from Karen Dathorne who heads the Bedfordshire and District Neighbourhood Watch Association, from its headquarters at Greyfriars Police Station in Bedford.

"There is a resurgence in people wanting to join groups that are already established or keen to start one of their own in new areas of all three towns," said Karen.

"It just shows people are determined to work together to help police try and lower crime in communities in these three towns.

"Neighbourhood Watch is a vital link in the chain to beat crime and to help the police.

What our members see and report is relayed back to police so they can take the action needed if there is a problem."

At a recent meeting in Sandy, 45 new members were recruited and new groups were formed to cover Northcroft, Brickhill Road, Cambridge Road, Cedar Gardens and Rivermead Gardens.

"This was wonderful and highlighted how people feel about doing something positive to try and beat crime in their own street," added Karen.

"In Potton we are about to do more work to encourage more groups and in Biggleswade we will do the same. We are very strong there but would obviously like to be stronger.

"The message we are sending out may not be good for the criminal but people will feel a lot safer on the streets and in their homes knowing their Neighbourhood Watch teams are looking over them."

If anyone would like to set up a Neighbourhood Watch group they should contact Karen on 01234 275165.