Neighbourhood Watch scheme has secured funding for another four years.

HertsWatch, the voluntary committee which co-ordinates Neighbourhood Watch activity in Hertfordshire, has been awarded £20,000 for the next four years to carry on and expand its work.

The scheme, which has over 150,000 residents and businesses signed up, has the most members of any similar scheme in the country. It enables the sharing of police alerts and crime prevention advice, allowing members to be informed about the latest crimes and scams in their area via the OWL (Online Watch Link) communication system.

Police and Crime Commissioner, David Llyod, who granted the extra funding, said: “Neighbourhood Watch has been a tremendous success in preventing crime and stopping people becoming victims.

“It is based on the simple idea that everyone can make their community more secure by looking out for their neighbours, keeping an eye on their homes while they are away and receiving and sharing crime prevention advice.

“This funding will give the scheme stability, enable it to grow stronger and reach out to those parts of the community that are presently underrepresented.”

HertsWatch also supports other watch schemes, including Business Watch, Dog Watch, Rural Watch and Senior Watch.

With the new funding, HertsWatch is looking to set up initiatives to extend its reach to young people, plus increase membership in areas including Stevenage, Watfrod and North Herts.

Chair of Herts Watch, Sue Thompson, said: “We are delighted to receive this funding from the PCC which will enable us to continue to help keep residents safe across Hertfordshire.

“We have a number of volunteers who work tirelessly to raise awareness, prevent crime and improve community spirit in villages, towns and cities to deter criminals. There’s no better time to join the 150,000 Hertfordshire homes already reaping the benefits of being an OWL.”

To join the Neighbourhood Watch, or find out more about OWL, visit herts.police.uk or owl.co.uk.