AN informal meeting of the Bere Ferrers Neighbourhood Watch Scheme heard there had been just seven reported crimes in Bere Ferrers in the last 12 months, five of which were detected.

Overall, there was a detection rate of almost 50 per cent on all crime in the Bere Peninsula in the last six months.

Speaking at the neighbourhood watch meeting in Bere Ferrers church hall last month, community constable for Bere Alston and Bere Ferrers, Rick Hartigan, said the detection rate could even improve, as he now had a CID officer allocated to him.

PC Hartigan said the monthly police surgeries were well-supported, and information gleaned had been helpful. The advantages and disadvantages of the community messaging system were discussed, with many members feeling some fine tuning was needed.

Bere Ferrers Neighbourhood Watch group was formed eleven years ago. Up-to-date information and literature about neighbourhood watch was distributed at the meeting.

A representative from the Bere Horsewatch group, Mrs Jill Etherington, was also present, as horseowners in particular have been targeted by thieves recently.

PC Hartigan emphasised that the public should remain vigilant and report anything suspicious immediately to Tavistock Police Station on 08705 777444 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.