As many as 20,000 people have signed up for the Neighbourhood Watch scheme in Three Rivers, police have revealed.

Almost half of the homes in the district have now signed up for the scheme that encourages neighbours to look out for each other.

The scheme in Hertfordshire is boosted by the OWL link, where police updates and crime prevention advice are sent out to members.

Police chiefs joined together at Rickmansworth Police Station on Monday, September 21, to celebrate reaching 20,000 members.

Chief Inspector for Three Rivers, Deirdre Dent said: “Being part of Neighbourhood Watch doesn’t involve a large commitment and there are so many benefits from being a member.

“You can receive regular updates from your Safer Neighbourhood Team about crime occurring in your neighbourhood and tips about how you can help us tackle it by providing tailored crime prevention tips to protect your property.

“The Constabulary supports Neighbourhood Watch because it has great benefits in helping to tackle crime and ensuring the most vulnerable in the community are looked out for, which is why my Safer Neighbourhood Teams are always looking to encourage more people to sign up. I’d encourage anyone who isn’t already a member to join now.”