TRAFFORD residents are being encouraged to set-up Home Watch schemes following an increase in the number of burglaries in the borough in recent months.

Communities that interact have less crime while the initiative is also a great way of getting to know your neighbours says Trafford police's watch administrator Cath Jackson.

She explained: "As a member of Home Watch, neighbours combine together with the aim of reducing crime in their area.

Home Watch enables each person to be aware of their neighbours and to have regular contact with each other, discussing neighbourhood issues that arise."

She added: "Members possess a very specialised knowledge of their neighbourhood, as they are able to recognise anyone not belonging to the area, who maybe acting suspiciously.

"They can then report these suspicious circumstances to either their co-ordinator or directly to the police."

To start a scheme, or for further information, contact Cath on 0161 856 7558.