Neighbourhood Watch members are to get a £25 reward if they report a crime which leads to an arrest.

The scheme is being launched by the Canterbury and District Neighbourhood Watch Association this week.

Co-ordinator Colin Chaston said: “We hope it will act as an incentive but we are also working with the police who have agreed to tag all calls from watch members in future.

“That way we will have a much clearer record as to how many calls we are making as a group and what effectiveness they have.

“At present we really have no way of quantifying our results. We believe that Neighbourhood Watch schemes do deter burglars but are trying to get a better record of our success.”

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The reward initiative has been announced in the latest newsletter of the association, which covers Canterbury, Herne Bay and Whitstable.

There are around 165 schemes across the district with an estimated 15,000 members.

But only one £25 reward will be issued every month. If there is more than one claimant, the winner will be drawn by watch liaison officer Terry McCormick.

Mr Chaston added: “We see the Neighbourhood Watch role as very much nipping crime in the bud by reporting crime or suspicions as it happens.

“Hopefully, with the help of better recording and this new initiative, we will get a better idea of what we are achieving and more feedback from the police on our calls.”