Pubdate: Fri,  2 Aug 2002
Source: Evening Telegraph (UK)
Copyright: 2002 Northamptonshire Newspapers Limited
Contact:  http://www.northantsnew.co.uk/news/tele/index.asp
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2272

SAYING OVER AND OUT TO THE CROOKS

A NEIGHBOURHOOD watch group is the first in the county to take hi-tech 
steps to beat criminals and drug dealers on its estate.

The group, on the Lodge Park estate in Corby, has bought eight short-wave 
radios for its co-ordinators to keep on top of crime.

The radios, which cost AUKP45 each and have been bought with donations from 
local businesses, will allow co-ordinators to let others know about any 
criminal activity and notify the police immediately.

Now the group is hoping the scheme will be adopted in other areas of Corby.

A member of the group, who would not be named for operational reasons, 
said: " Problems here range from petty vandalism to serious crime."

"We have problems with fighting, and there are drug dealers in the area."

"These radios work very well and if you see something happening you can 
notify other co-ordinators immediately."

"We want the hardened criminals to know they will be caught."

Members of the group have even said they would be prepared to pay 
themselves for more radios.

"Once this is up and running, we will be able to link to other groups using 
the same radios."

The group has more than 100 members, some of whom already have their own 
private CCTV cameras.

Community beat officer for Lodge Park, PC Tim Britton, praised the group 
for taking the initiative.

He said: "This seems a good idea. It is about being an extra pair of eyes 
and ears for us really. I am sure the scheme will be able to provide us 
with even more on-the-spot support."

Sgt Mark Stirmey said: "This is an excellent idea. They will be able to 
pass on information quickly to us."

"This can help safeguard the residents and help in improving their quality 
of life."
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MAP posted-by: Beth