A South Ruislip resident has set up an online group to prevent and raise awareness of crime.

The ‘Crime awareness group for the Ruislip & Eastcote area’ has helped police and encouraged residents to help their community and fellow residents.

With almost 5,000 members, and still growing, the Facebook group encourages people to be proactive and report incidences to 101 and 999.

Alan Raymond Palmer, 58, created the group four months ago after his next-door neighbour was burgled.

He said: “From the start the police have backed me and local police officers came to see me at my house. The site is a constant feed of the latest burglaries, attempted burglaries and suspicious sightings.”

Mr Palmer has seen changes in the way residents in Ruislip and Eastcote respond to crime.

He said: “From burying their heads in the sand, many people have now become proactive with an overriding desire to help police and see those responsible for crime caught and dealt with.”

Members of Hillingdon Police post on the group and send messages to administrator, Alan.

Inspector Rob Bryan,from Hillingdon Borough’s Neighbourhood Watch team, says it’s amazing how the local community have come together.

He told getwestlondon: “From a police viewpoint it is a great tool for us to let everyone know what crimes are occurring in the area and to offer crime prevention advice.”

The group has enabled police to engage with a large number of the community, identifying local concerns and dealing with them quickly.

He added: “Of course there is always a balance between awareness and increased fear of crime. This area is a nice place to live and work and relatively safe - but equally I think it is right that everyone has a real idea about what is going on so they can better protect themselves."

Residents praise the group and say it has opened their eyes. Many have now installed burglar alarms as a result.

An Eastcote resident, who did not want to be named, said: “Bulletin messages on here have been the most effective means to halt or impede localised criminal activity.

“The most effective function is the fact that around 4,800 people are now networked.”

Eastcote and East Ruislip ward Conservative councillor, Nick Denys, also backs the idea.

He said: “It is really good that locals are exchanging information to help make the local area even safer than it already is. I’m glad to say that most people enjoy living in Eastcote and Ruislip and feel safe most of the time.”

He added: “Be assured, we are not complacent. Hillingdon Council works with the local police - including giving funds - to make sure they can have a dedicated high visibility response team here.”

Call your local police on 101 to report crime in your area. Always dial 999 in an emergency.