A NEIGHBOURHOOD Watch project in Comet country has received national recognition by the Home Office. Stevenage Dog Watch is a pioneering venture which encourages and supports dog walkers to spot and report crimes, and it has been given Best Practice statu

A NEIGHBOURHOOD Watch project in Comet country has received national recognition by the Home Office.

Stevenage Dog Watch is a pioneering venture which encourages and supports dog walkers to spot and report crimes, and it has been given Best Practice status. This means it could now be used as a model for Neighbourhood Watch schemes across the country.

Superintendent Dave Wharton, who leads Neighbourhood Watch for Herts Police, said: "I am thrilled our Neighbourhood Watch scheme has received this prestigious recognition, which is testament to the success and hard work of all the people involved.

"We recognise Neighbourhood Watch is fundamental to policing, with members of the public working with us to help fight crime and to give criminals the message they're not welcome in Hertfordshire.

"It is thanks to the people who are involved in Neighbourhood Watch schemes, and the dedication of police officers and staff, that the county remains a safe place to live and work.