A POLICE scheme aimed at cutting crime in rural parts of Three Rivers has attracted "overwhelming support".

But officers are keen to get even more involved in rural watch, which began for the first time in the area last month.

Set up by Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Steve Jacob and PC Hannah Clark, the watch covers Chorleywood, Croxley Green and Sarratt and will have its second meeting at Sarratt Village Hall, The Green, on Wednesday, March 7.

PCSO Jacob, who set up a similar scheme in Hertsmere said: "This is the first rural watch in Three Rivers.

"Urban areas have schemes such as neighbourhood watch or business watch, so we wanted to offer the same service to people who live and work in more rural parts.

"It's early days but we have had an overwhelming amount of support from the local community, about 40 people so far, who although enjoy a low level of crime, want to make their properties even safer."

The scheme, which is intended to target trespassing, plant, animal and equipment theft, flytipping and hare coursing, works by regular email alerts and weekly bulletins.

The watch also holds meetings to allow members to share information with each other and the police, including descriptions of suspicious vehicles or people.

Glynn Humphries, of Chandlers Cross, said: "Having had a trailer, and tack thefts in the past, we fully support the rural watch scheme and hope it will be a deterrent to thieves."

Anyone in the area interested in signing up can contact PCSO Jacob on 01923 472 112 or email steven.jacob@herts.pnn.police.uk.