THE inhabitants of Bere Alston are uniting to reduce crime with the formation of a Neighbourhood Watch scheme in the village.
Residents in 14 of the village's roads are taking part in the scheme, which has been organised by Paul Graeme-Drury, who moved to the area three years ago after setting up a similar scheme in inner-city Bristol.
Mr Graeme-Drury said originally few people thought there would be any interest in setting up a Neighbourhood Watch. 'But as I knocked on each door and found allies the Watch size snowballed. It now consists of all the main roads and some key others and we are also lucky that we now have our own community constable in the form of PC Ian Pirie.'
With Bere Alston having probably the highest crime rate in West Devon, Mr Graeme-Drury said it was hoped the Watch scheme would be able to make a big impression on this. He said police had called the village a 'black spot' and locals had complained of police response times, but things were improving all the time.
'Crime and unpleasantness can often be put down to a few individuals. Once identified they can be watched and caught. Fear in a community like ours is unacceptable for any reason,' said Mr Graeme-Drury.
The signs were erected last Thursday, signalling full activation of the scheme, delayed because of foot and mouth. But the cost of the signs had increased because of new regulations which require insurance. Local builder Ron Toll and West Devon Community Safety Partnership came to the rescue to cover the extra cost.
Colin Harris, chairman of the Devon and Cornwall Neighbourhood Force Association, said he was 'delighted' to welcome Bere Alston into the ever-growing family of volunteers helping to crack crime in the two counties.
LEFT: Ron Toll places a Neighbourhood Watch sign with the help of Paul Graeme-Drury.