RESIDENTS are set to patrol their streets at night in an effort to combat a rise in crime and anti-social behaviour.

Members of a newly formed residents’ association in Darwen have resorted to the tactic after falling numbers of bobbies on the beat has left them feeling like easy targets.

Whitehall Residents’ Association was formed at the end of November, and chairman Suzanne Halliwell, said she set up the group after noticing a lot of activity on a community Facebook page was referring to crime.

She said: “I’ve lived in Whitehall for 24 years and it s always been a great area to live, but it was a spike in burglary and people trying door handles that got everyone upset and concerned.

“I organised a meeting everyone was really supportive.We’ve agreed to focus on priority areas and it’s clear everyone is determined to work together to keep Whitehall safe and clean.”

As part of the association, residents have now set up a street wardens’ group and will be patrolling the streets at night looking out for people acting suspiciously.

Street warden Paul Dooling said: “People share information with us and we’re able to check it out quite quickly.

“We know police numbers are down and they can’t be everywhere at once, but we have been pleased to see additional police patrols in the area recently.”

Police have previously advised residents not to tackle crime themselves.

Sgt Shaun Pearson of the Darwen Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “I would like to dissuade local residents from patrolling their streets looking to catch people and invoke their own justice.”

Councillor John East said the move was not about taking the law into their own hands, but was more about being neighbourly and looking after the wellbeing of the community, particularly those who are elderly or vulnerable.

Darwen South councillor Kevin Connor said: “If the police are supporting and monitoring this then there’s no reason why it shouldn’t be a good thing. Groups like this do great jobs and I know the police are appreciative when they receive information."

At a recent meeting with police, residents were advised to make sure doors and windows were secure and report incidents to officers.

Mrs Halliwell added: “Whitehall is still a relatively safe area, but by coming together like this we are sending a very strong message that we’re not going to be an easy target.”

The next residents association meeting will take place at the Whitehall Hotel on January 23.