CRIME-FIGHTING neighbours are pioneering a scheme to tackle crooks by using e-mail to swap information and contact police.

Neighbourhood Watch schemes are to be connected to an e-mail system, providing them with a vital link to the police as part of a project dubbed the world's largest crime-fighting community.

The scheme is one of around a dozen in the country -- run in association with computer giants Amstrad and uses new e-mailer machines.

It will be launched in Blackburn in two weeks by Home Secretary Jack Straw and Amstrad boss Sir Alan Sugar.

Police officers will be able to e-mail warnings to Neighbourhood Watch leaders, or all of them at the same time if it is felt necessary.

Co-ordinators will also be able to share information in their fight against crime and tip police off about incidents using the machines, which can also send and receive faxes and conventional phone calls.

The scheme is expected to be extended across the county in May at a cost of £10,000 and nationally later in the year.

Blackburn MP Mr Straw said: "I am delighted that once again East Lancashire is leading the way.

"Neighbourhood Watch is one of the unsung heroes of the fight against crime along with Victim Support. It's about citizen power. It deserves and is getting government support."

Chief Inspector Andy Pratt, of Lancashire police's eastern division, which covers Blackburn, Darwen, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley, said: "We want to make people feel more secure by introducing them to this scheme. Everyone involved will be linked together, giving us the ability to inform hundreds of people about warnings, crimes or good news very easily.

"Alternatively, it is a guaranteed way of communicating with just a select group or even one person. "When it is up and running I believe it will be the largest crime-fighting community in the world." The scheme was brought to Lancashire by Sgt Paul Elms, backed by Blackburn-based Chief Supt John Thompson.

"The more we communicate the more chances there are of fighting crime," said Sgt Elms. "Initially the e-mail scheme will be piloted in the area covering Blackburn town centre to the boundary with Darwen. I can't see any reason why it should not be successful and spread to the rest of the divisions and beyond," he added.

A recent Audit Commission report showed only 75 per cent of people were satisfied with Lancashire Police's response to emergency phone calls.

And Hyndburn police and community forum's chairman Maurice Cowell said today: "It is sometimes difficult getting through on the phone and the new communications system is having some teething problems so this will only enhance the policing of the district and the input we as neighbourhood watch co-ordinators can have."

The scheme will be launched at the County Hotel, Blackburn, on February 16 by Home Secretary and Blackburn MP Jack Straw. Amstrad boss Sir Alan Sugar will be there along with members of Lancashire Constabulary and scheme co-ordinators.