Women patrol crime estate

The patrols have the support of Northamptonshire Police

Women living on a housing estate in Northamptonshire are so sick of crime they are patrolling the streets at night.

Groups of up to five women go out on the Oakley Estate, Corby, to try and curb the anti-social behaviour and vandalism that they say blights their lives.

As the team set off with torches, radios and panic alarms, Street Watch founder Annette Hoggard said they had made a massive difference.

You just can't let a group of youths rule your lives Annette Hoggard

"It was terrible - youths hanging on every street corner, foul language, swearing at the residents, speeding cars constantly.

"That's why something had to be done.

"You just can't let a group of youths, between 15 and 19, rule your lives."

The group has the backing of Northamptonshire Police and the Leicester Housing Association, which runs the 110-home estate which was built 10 years ago.

Rosemary Winnie, who moved to the Oakley recently, said the patrols had made her feel much more secure.

"It was quite frightening when I came here at first - cars getting burned out, people fighting - but I feel much safer now," she said.

Mrs Hoggard said that in the five weeks since Street Watch had been formed crime on the estate had reduced dramatically.

Full training

"There are a few speeding cars now but that's mainly to intimidate Street Watch," Mrs Hoggard said.

"There have been no wheelie bins thrown through windows - there's just been hardly any trouble at all."

The apparent success of Street Watch, which patrols between 2100 GMT and 0300 GMT, means other similar schemes may be set up elsewhere.

All members are given full training by Northamptonshire Police before they begin their duties and scheme co-ordinators have each been given direct dial phone numbers to contact the police at any time.