RESIDENTS are being urged to stand shoulder to shoulder with police in their fight against crime.

The Bolton West Neighbourhood Policing Team is launching crime prevention schemes in a bid to tackle crime.

They have concentrated on Over Hulton and Westhoughton.

In Over Hulton, two new Home Watch groups have been set up in Fairlyn Close and Salford Road. Home Watch has been hailed as one of the most successful crime prevention initiatives across the force.

Police Community Support Officer Stephen Howard said: “Signing up to a Home Watch scheme is one of the most active ways that residents can tackle the issues that most affect the community.”

Officers are also encouraging residents to sign up to the Nominated Neighbour scheme, which has been set up to stop bogus callers and rogue traders targeting older and more vulnerable residents, particularly those living alone.

Participants of the scheme will not talk or open the door to cold callers or allow them entry to their home, unless the caller is accompanied by a “nominated neighbour” or friend.

In Westhoughton, a Visiting Service is running, which sees volunteers visit those living alone. Residents are also invited to weekly luncheons at Ryelands Court and Thurstons.

Police are also urging people to secure their sheds and lock away all tools after working in the garden, following an increase in the number of garden shed break-ins.

For more information about The Nominated Neighbour and Home Watch schemes, contact PCSO Howard on 0161 865 5685.

Contact Jean Jones on 01942 799 374 to find out more about the Westhoughton Visiting Service.

The Over Hulton Neighbourhood Policing Team holds a monthly police surgery, which is held at St Andrew’s Hall, Crescent Avenue, on the second Monday of every month, from 6pm to 8pm.