SUFFOLK'S Neighbourhood Watch schemes have been given a substantial cash handout to help them to promote crime-prevention and community safety.

SUFFOLK'S Neighbourhood Watch schemes have been given a substantial cash handout to help them to promote crime-prevention and community safety.

An extra £68,000 has been committed by Suffolk Constabulary to support Neighbourhood Watch in the county.

The announcement comes before the start of National Neighbourhood Watch week on Monday which aims to prompt an increase in households supporting the scheme.

A third of Suffolk's households are already involved in helping the prevention, detection and deterrence of offences and reducing the fear of crime.

Assistant Chief Constable, Gary Kitching, said: “The police fully recognise and support the contribution that Neighbourhood Watch schemes provide at a local level. With policing becoming more and more community based and with the introduction of Safer Neighbourhood Teams, which sees police officers, police staff and partners working together based in the community, the public are having more of a say in how we deliver our services. I encourage communities to support their watch schemes, and the additional resources we have committed will help if communities wish to start new schemes.

“The SNTs will continue to work with local people in their neighbourhood to improve their quality of life and Neighbourhood Watch will play a key role in helping to keep Suffolk safe. I would urge any residents who don't have a scheme in their local area to contact the nearest Safer Neighbourhood Team to find out more.”