EXTRA funding to support neighbourhood watch schemes in Suffolk has been made available locally in the drive to crack down on crime.Last week The Journal revealed how Waveney had become the best performing district in Suffolk in 2007/08 as crime was cut by 9.

EXTRA funding to support neighbourhood watch schemes in Suffolk has been made available locally in the drive to crack down on crime.

Last week The Journal revealed how Waveney had become the best performing district in Suffolk in 2007/08 as crime was cut by 9.1pc.

And a large part of this success was put down to the introduction of Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNTs) within the district, as this has helped to combat the low-level crime concerns of communities.

Following these successful figures, an extra £68,000 has been distributed by Suffolk Constabulary to support Neighbourhood Watch in the county - and this announcement comes at the start of National Neighbourhood Watch week (June 15-22), which aims to promote crime-prevention and community safety.

The money will be used to employ a number of Neighbourhood Watch coordinators, who will support the Neighbourhood Watch schemes in partnership with the county's Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNTs).

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,” the Assistant Chief Constable added. “I would urge any residents who don't have a scheme in their local area to contact the nearest Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) to find out more.”

As part of Neighbourhood Watch Week, Suffolk Police is also reminding residents of two important schemes, which complement Neighbourhood Watch - Suffolk SAFEKey and Police Direct.

Suffolk SAFEKey, a keyholder service launched by Suffolk Constabulary in 2006, attracted nearly 2,000 members in its first year, while Police Direct is a high-speed public messaging system. Using text, email and telephony, Police Direct alerts people to criminals in their area, warns about local incidents and traffic problems and provides information and crime reduction advice.

For more information about Neighbourhood Watch log on to www.neighbourhoodwatch.uk.com

To find out more about the Safer Neighbourhood Teams log on to www.safersuffolk.org.uk