Volunteers are needed to help kick crime off the streets of Hockley.

Neighbourhood Watch wants to dump its curtain-twitching image and encourage more people to take an active role in crime prevention.

Hockley already boasts more than 30 active neighbourhood watches - but new enthusiasm is always welcomed to help crack crime.

The sterling work they do is recognised by donations of funds from the parish council for schemes such as property marking and street signs which announce to would-be crooks that their antics are being watched.

Area co-ordinator Richard Bills said: "If the parish council considers neighbourhood watch an asset to the community shouldn't the community themselves?"

Lack of time is also no excuse as most of the pen-pushing is done from the area office based at Rayleigh police station.

Neighbourhood Watch has its own office with telephone and answerphone and a team of four who work closely with police to keep a close eye and provide help for the 270 watches.

The office is manned on weekdays between 10am and 12.30pm and produces crime prevention advice for problems in specific roads as well as a more general newsletter.

This means added security for more than 6,000 households in Rayleigh, Hullbridge, Hockley, Hawkwell, Rochford, Great Wakering and Canewdon.

Richard added: "Incoming reports of crime or of suspicious-looking people are reported to us and then passed to police who take action and often apprehend the suspect reducing crime in that area."

For details about how to join or start a new watch, telephone 01268 770519.

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