A NEW Neighbourhood Watch Scheme has been launched in a Ryedale village in an attempt to get as many schemes active as possible.

Normanby is the latest village to become a Neighbourhood Watch area following a decision by the parish council at the beginning of the year.

Terry Wallis, the Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator for nearby Marton, who was recently appointed area co-ordinator for Kirkbymoorside, launched the scheme alongside police community support officer Annie Simpson.

Residents in the village were issued with Neighbourhood Watch stickers at the launch and were given advice about how the scheme can help to reduce crime opportunities by deterring thieves and vandals.

“What Neighbourhood Watch does is encourage neighbours to be less dismissive and more observant and action-orientated as regards what they see happening around them,” said Mr Wallis.

“This was demonstrated in Marton, in December, when three people were arrested following a police message to Neighbourhood Watch members to be on the look-out for a suspect vehicle that was wanted in connection with burglaries in the county.”

The scheme in Normanby will be led by a volunteer co-ordinator, whose job will be to encourage residents to work together to ensure the safety of their community.

Mr Wallis also said that residents of the village had been made aware of the recent spate of cold-calling incidents across Ryedale.

He said: “Doorstep crime is one of the most disturbing, challenging and unwanted criminal activities that we face at present.

“Many areas are now becoming ‘No Cold Call Zones’ and even households not within these official zones can display window stickers supplied through co-ordinators like myself and issued by Trading Standards that make clear that cold call traders are unwelcome and will commit a criminal offence if they call and unless they leave.”

The scheme is part of Ryedale Neighbourhood Watch Association, sponsored by Safer Ryedale.

More information can be found on the website at www.ryedalenhwa.co.uk