RESIDENTS are being urged to sign up to their local neighbourhood watch scheme in a bid to slash crime figures and build up communities.

Neighbourhood Watch is a scheme run by members of the community alongside police with the aim of cutting crime, reassuring people and encouraging closer communities.

A message circulated by a coordinator of the initiative, appealed for new volunteers, explaining: "Crime is increasing in Oxford and with the reduction and limited resources there is a great necessity for the community awareness for crime prevention."

People can sign up to become a member at ourwatch.org.uk where local schemes that have been verified by police will be listed, if there is one already set up.

If there is not, members can then sign up to create one, or receive neighbourhood alerts which are notifications of crimes in the area, security tips and fraud prevention advice.