Moves to strengthen anti-crime teams

The agreement is the first of its kind in Yorkshire and believed to be only the second in the UK.

It commits Neighbourhood Watch and SNT representatives to meet on a regular basis to keep each other informed of local and borough-wide issues and, where appropriate, co-ordinate actions to help improve neighbourhood policing.

Barnsley was the first place in the country to introduce Safer Neighbourhood Teams three years ago and it is expected the new agreement will also be copied.

Chief Insp Gary Boughen said: “The Safer Neighbourhood Teams are already a shining example of the impact partnership working can have in communities.

“This agreement allows us to extend this methodology one step further by welcoming the input of the hard-working Neighbourhood Watch volunteers who help fight crime in their own neighbourhood day in, day out.”

Officers from the nine Safer Neighbourhood Teams will meet Neighbourhood Watch representatives every week.