WEE COUNTY residents are being urged to do their part to deter crime in their communities by taking part in neighbourhood watch programmes.

Acquisitive crime and anti-social behaviour remain a source of concern for many living in Clackmannanshire with some residents in Alva, Tillicoultry and Tullibody hit by sneak-in thefts and criminal damage over the last few months.

Last week, it was suggested that a lack of strong community ties could be a contributory factor in this area with a decline of neighbourhood watch schemes as a result.

Most NW programmes disband due to lack of interest from the local residents.

But Ian Fowler, the chair of Neighbourhood Watch Scotland (NWS), feels only a little effort can have a big impact on crime prevention.

He said: “I found myself disturbed by a recent study released by Admiral Home Insurance showing that a coolness between Scottish neighbours could be the weak link in the country’s home security.

“Friendly neighbours are security conscious neighbours and it doesn’t take much to make a neighbour’s home safer.

“Simply making the place look lived in by taking in deliveries, drawing and closing the curtains or parking in each other’s driveways when a neighbour goes on holiday can be a powerful deterrent to would be housebreakers. Sadly, though, only 57 per cent of Scots tell neighbours when they are going on holiday.” Mr Fowler, who is also a former police superintendent with 31 years’ experience, said that strong social bonds in the community can “pay off later in a big way for home security in the area”.

He said: “When local people come together to make their area safer, Neighbourhood Watch Scotland is there to support them.

“It doesn’t have to be a lot of work. Even if it’s only making homes look lived in, this can be powerful.” Up until a few years ago, Central Scotland police took an active role in co-ordinating neighbourhood watch programmes but were unable to sustain the schemes due to a lack of support from communities.

However, community officers insist a watch can have a big impact on neighbourhoods and can also have added benefits to members as well.

PC Roy Mitchell, who is based at Alloa Police Station, said: “We would encourage as many residents as possible to get involved in a neighbourhood watch scheme. If they are willing to devote their time to it then it can have real benefits for their community.

“In principal it is a fantastic idea and anything that could reduce the fear of crime is obviously something that we would welcome.” He added: “NW members are usually better informed and are generally better at providing useful information to police. Oftentimes we get calls from someone reporting ‘a car’ or ‘a man’.

“But NWS sometimes offer training to let members know what to look out for and the things to keep an eye on.

“There a are other benefits too as insurance companies often offer discounts for those who are involved in neighbourhood watch schemes.” Residents in Tullibody say they would support a watch in their area, while it is believed members of the Tillicoultry Community Council discussed the issue at this week’s meeting.

June Anderson, secretary for the Tullibody, Cambus & Glenochil Community Council told the Advertiser: “I think it’s a great idea for communities to come together to make our streets safer.

“The problem is getting people involved; however, I know there is a lot of help out there for those who want set up their own watch and keep it going.” For more information on starting a neighbourhood watch, and support available, visit www.neighbourhoodwatchscotland.co.uk