Parents to patrol streets to protect children from paedophiles

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Twenty-five volunteers have signed up to patrol school routes and playgrounds on the look-out for potential offenders.

The group, which calls itself Parentally Aware Neighbourhood, is modelled on the Neighbourhood Watch.

Patrollers are equipped with bright yellow overalls and have put up signs warning paedophiles that they are "not welcome".

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Campaign: Mother-of-three Heidi Romero's neighbourhood scheme already has 25 members

Group founder Heidi Romero said: "The message to anyone interested in abusing children is: We're here and we're watching you - so stay away.

"With all the signs up, paedophiles are going to think twice about approaching children in this area.

"This isn't vigilante action. It is a commonsense approach which will help protect our children.

"We already have more than 25 members and we are sure many more will come on board."

Constable Peter Taylor, beat officer for the Boscombe area of Bournemouth where the scheme is in operation, said: "We are definitely backing the scheme and think it is a good idea.

"Heidi and other parents decided to set up the group in light of what happened to Madeleine McCann in Portugal.

"The parents are aware of what has happened and do not want it to happen here."

Mrs Romero's efforts were also spurred by a report of an abduction attempt which turned out to be a false alarm.

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The 37-year-old mother of four said: "It could have turned out differently. Combined with what has happened to little Madeleine in Portugal, it just tipped me over the edge.

"Enough is enough and something needs to be done to protect our children."

But local LibDem councillor Pat Lewis cast doubt on the scheme, saying: "It is impossible to judge who is a paedophile and who isn't. It could even add up to victimisation."