A HALESOWEN estate now has its very own Street Watch group to crack down on crime.

The Halesmere Estate's Street Watch volunteers went on their first patrol on Monday (September 14).

The estate is made up of Halesmere Way, Honeybourne Road, Abberton Close, Iverley Road, Tibberton Close, Brier Mill Road and Chadbury Road.

Opposite McDonald's on the A459 Bromsgrove Road, it leads to Manor Way primary.

Street Watch groups are volunteers who act as extra eyes and ears on the ground to help crack down on petty crime - they do not have police powers but local police keep in regular contact with street watch members to share information and work in partnership.

Halesowen Police tweeted: "Halesowen officers have tonight been on the very first Halesmere Estate StreetWatch patrol! #ConnectAndBuild #CommunityPolicing."

Councillor David Vickers, whose Halesowen South ward covers the Halesmere Estate, said: "It's a cracking idea.

"As a former police officer of more than 20 years myself I set up many local neighbourhood watch groups - it's a fantastic idea for the community to get involved in keeping their estate safe."

Street Watch members patrol their local area for at least two hours every month with a minimum of two members.

They talk to people and wear a high visibility jacket so neighbours know that they are there for support.

Groups have a local street watch co-ordinator to offer support, so volunteers know what to look out for and have support from their local policing teams.