asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many neighbourhood watch schemes are currently operating in the north-west; and if he will make a statement.

There are more than 9,500 neighbourhood or home watch schemes in the Cheshire, Cumbria, greater Manchester, Lancashire and Merseyside police force areas, the number having more than doubled over the past 12 months. This increase in the number of schemes indicates the increasing public awareness of the part they can play in preventing crime. Neighbourhood or home watch schemes provide a focus for action for those who wish to work against crime.