A website offering general information, news and details of how to volunteer for Suffolk ‘Street Watch’ schemes in the Babergh area has been launched.

Volunteers from established schemes joined park rangers, street pastors, local community members and police for the official launch at Belle Vue Park in Sudbury.

The Street Watch schemes, which are operating in areas such as Hadleigh, Sudbury and Cornard, are run by local people who patrol the streets wearing high-visibility vests. The idea of the police and community partnership initiative, is to empower the community to take ownership of public spaces and to enhance the quality of life in an area.

Insp Paul Crick said: “The schemes are run by local people who know their area and their neighbours, and it’s about providing a level of security. They are vital for making communities feel safer.”

A scheme started in Hadleigh last November and according to local Pc Matt Paisley, a drop in crime in the town over the past year six months is due in part to police working closely with partner agencies and community members on initiatives such as Streetwatch, Pub Watch and Lorry Watch. Figures show a significant drop in reported crime from 355 between April 2011/12, to 268 during 2012/13.

Anyone interested in setting up a Street Watch scheme can now go to www.suffolkstreetwatch.co.uk