A NEIGHBOURHOOD Watch scheme has been revived in Alton, with the full support of a local community determined to stamp out crime. The restarting of an existing scheme – centred on the Beechwood, Dashwood Close and Wickham Road area – was sparked by the recent attempted abduction of a young girl in neighbouring Chawton Park Road, and by a spate of localised vehicle crime. In a statement this week, a spokesman for the residents said that the launch meet had attracted 32 residents, all keen to take an active part in the Neighbourhood Watch scheme. They were there to listen to the views of Pc Peter Kelly and new Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Carl Stevens who gave an insight into the problems facing the town, particularly at the weekends. "It was reassuring to hear how these incidents are being dealt with by the police and especially reassuring to know that Alton is to get another two PCSOs to walk the beat. According to the officers, this will give us foot patrol 80 per cent of the time all over the town and outer areas," said the spokesman "Having relaunched the Neighbourhood Watch Scheme we (the residents) are all looking out for each other. We also feel better about things, knowing the police and working at tackling problems in the town." Along with security measures, installed by residents with the assistance of Alton Home Hardware who offer a wide range of security lights, padlocks and even personal alarms, the aim is to keep the Beechwood area of Alton relatively crime free.
