Bid to boost neighbours' crime role

The document which suggests tapping the "unused energy and enthusiasm" of the groups has been sent out by the Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo), the Daily Mail said.

It said the civilian volunteers could be asked to patrol crime-hit estates, watch the activities of suspects and even check tax discs on parked cars.

Neighbourhood Watch teams have already taken on these tasks in pilot schemes which could be extended elsewhere, it reported.

Frank Whiteley, the chief constable of Hertfordshire, made the suggestions in the document Neighbourhood Watch in Context: A Strategic Tool for the Neighbourhood Policing Agenda.

He told the newspaper he was not looking for "policing on the cheap".

He said the intention was for Neighbourhood Watch members to supplement the police, not replace them.

A Home Office spokeswoman said she was aware of the document.

She added: "Neighbourhood policing is about police officers getting closer to their communities and working with local people to prevent and tackle crime in their area.

"It is right and sensible that the police look at how they can work more closely with their local communities, including organisations such as Neighbourhood Watch which play a valuable role in helping to reduce crime, encouraging community spirit and empowering local people."