An effective tool in fight against crime; VOICE OF THE NORETH.

I WRITE regarding Bob Cuffe's column (The Journal, November 20) in which he describes Neighbourhood Watch schemes (NHW), in his own words, from a "completely uninformed" position.

As a NHW coordinator in Northumberland, I would like to set the record straight.

I took the job on because of an unprovoked and savage attack on two elderly and disabled people and a problem with crime/ youth drinking and nuisance in our area. We have many old and vulnerable residents who felt unsafe in light of these awful events.

Although our scheme is only months old, three quarters of residents display NHW stickers in their windows.

There is also appropriate street signage which is a deterrent to criminals and uplifting to residents.

Police inform me of local crime activity which I pass on to residents and, in turn, people inform me or the local policing team of crime or potential crime in our area. This is done either verbally or via e-mail - we do not have meetings in people's homes, as Mr Cuffe suggests.

Although NHW cannot stop crime entirely it is a useful tool in fighting crime and improving the quality of life for residents.

Although I cannot encompass all the duties I or local police deliver in this letter, or the benefits of NHW schemes for communities, they make people feel more secure in their homes and, in many cases, give them the confidence to report crime or discuss concerns. Surely that's got to be a good thing, unless you are an offender. NHW schemes are voluntary, however I have received training and help to enable me to run the scheme and I would encourage anyone to introduce NHW in their own area, and for the record they are nothing like Mr Cuffe suggests in his article which is full of inaccuracies and conjecture.

Although our scheme is in its infancy I am delighted with the progress thus far and, although at times it's hard work, the benefits to the community are real.

If you have time on your hands and want improvements to your local area, contact your local policing team for advice - not Bob Cuffe. NEVILLE SCOTT, Amble, Northumberland