RESIDENTS in two Rossendale areas have signed up to a neighbourhood watch scheme.

Penny Lodge Lane and Loveclough Park are the latest areas to become part of the wider police family.

In recent weeks there have been a number of vehicle crimes that have caused concern for the residents.

As well as welcoming both areas to the scheme, the police have increased patrols and have adopted a number of disruption tactics to make it difficult for thieves to operate in the area.

PC Phil Buck, the Rossendale crime prevention officer, said “It is really encouraging that residents have come forward and formed this partnership by setting up a new neighbourhood watch scheme.

“The number of people who attended the set up meeting shows how keen people are to prevent crime in the area.”