New neighbourhood watch groups are likely in Braintree after a high-profile police operation in the town.

Since extra officers were seen out on patrol in the streets during Operation Relentless last week, people have been contacting Braintree police about the scheme.

Crime prevention officer for Braintree, Geoff Butler is delighted at the response and said there was a good chance more groups would be set up in the town.

Operation Relentless, a major countywide crackdown on burglars and car criminals, ran throughout last week and involved extra officers out on foot patrol.

An extra police presence was seen in areas of high crime and part of the task for the patrols was to make contact with the community.

As a result, 15 people have come forward, particularly from the Fairview estate and Great Notley.

Mr Butler stressed Neighbourhood Watch is a community-based initiative, supported by the police.

"It is not just waiting for bad news from the police," he said.

"It is a community scheme about the community taking care of each other and building on community support.

Published Friday, March 8, 2002