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."