REDDITCH Neighbourhood Watch Association has teamed up with the police to buy equipment to help residents in the fight against crime.

The association represents 600 neighbourhood watch schemes in the district.

It aims to promote good citizenship and public participation in the prevention and solution of crime and antisocial behaviour by liaising with police.

Association chairman Bob Price said: "With the help of the police, we've recently purchased a professional mobile CCTV system that can be used by our members to help catch criminals and obtain evidence for convictions."

He said a new Ringmaster System was also coming on stream, which could be used by police to alert Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators to potential crime threats by sending telephone messages or emails.

The association, with the help of Redditch Round Table, has also recently handed over £906 to Redditch Council to improve security for cyclists at Morton Stanley Park.

Both organisations did a sponsored walk through the park and the cash raised will be used to install a secure cycle rack for youngsters who leave their bikes while they take part in sports.

Anyone interested in starting a Neighbourhood Watch scheme can call 586253.

More information is available online at www.communigate.co.uk/worcs/redditchnhwassociation