‘People in this community all keep an eye on each other'

7:39am Monday 12th May 2008

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THE organiser of a successful Home Watch scheme says the whole community can reap the benefits of joining.

John Addey has been the Home Watch co-ordinator in the Bollin Drive area of Lymm for the past 17 years and believes the programme has been successful in helping to beat crime.

“Everyone knows everybody else’s car so if we spot something out of place or we know someone is on holiday, we can check up.”

John Addey, Home Watch co-ordinator in the Bollin Drive area of Lymm

When police tell him cold callers are in the area or trading standards let him know about rogue traders, the Bollin Drive resident is able to send out letters and let people know.

And he says others should get involved in setting up other schemes.

He said: "In this community, we all keep an eye on each other.

"If we get a call about distraction burglars, we can pass the message on.

"Everyone knows everybody else's car so if we spot something out of place or we know someone is on holiday, we can check up."

Mr Addey, a retired construction manager, says one neighbour was about to pay out more than £400 for unnecessary work from a rogue trader while on a seperate occasion, a suspicious white van was reported to police.

And the 72-year-old says having a close working relationship with officers, such as CSOs, has a positive effect.

"We know Darren Dennis (CSO) well so anything that is wrong, we can report to him and he can sort it out", he added.

Home Watch schemes take place across Warrington and a Fearnhead one, started in the wake of the murder of Garry Newlove, is also going from strength to strength.

As part of our Make a Stand campaign, the Warrington Guardian is encouraging readers to sign up.