AN MP joined forces with Neighbourhood Watch representatives to kick-start a recruitment campaign.

Barry Gardiner,MP for Brent North (Labour), was at Sainsbury's in Kenton on June 13 to encourage shoppers to take part in the scheme.

The recruitment drive is set to add to the 500 'watches' already established in the borough and chairman Martin Wells said by joining Brent Neighbourhood Watch, new members would see a number of benefits.

He said: "If people want to see crime reduced in their area they need to take control of it by setting up a neighbour-hood watch or a residents' association themselves.

"We can provide support and government statistics show that when a watch is set up, crime in the area falls rapidly, as do home insurance premiums.

"There will also be information about police Safer Neighbourhoods Teams and how to get involved with neighbourhood panels which set their priorities."

For more information visit www.bnwa.org or email info@bnwa.org