POLICE in Tiverton have a new weapon in the fight against crime — pensioner volunteer Marshall Hawes.

The 69-year-old will be encouraging residents to act as the eyes and ears of the force at an event to expound the merits of Neighbourhood Watch.

Since last November the retired civil servant has been providing administrative support to officers in Tiverton.

Mr Hawes was already a Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator in the Broomhill area when he was asked to become a civilian part of the policing team.

He works closely with PC Saren Isaac and PCSO Mel Smith to provide a link between the force and the neighbourhood co-ordinators who act as a voice for their communities.

Mr Hawes agreed to give up four days a week to come into the police station in Lowman Green and help with paperwork, answering calls and keeping in contact with watch co-ordinators in the town and outlying villages.

He has some experience of the world of policing, he spent two years as a Metropolitan Police Cadet before undertaking National Service in 1957.

He said things had certainly changed in the ensuing half century.

"I come from the old school of policing, like Dixon of Dock Green," he said. "I can remember when all policemen would have a whistle which they would blow to summon assistance.

"It is fascinating to see what the police are doing and how heavy their workload is. I didn't fully appreciate that beforehand and I don't think the general public do either."

Each Neighbourhood Watch scheme is run by members and led by a resident volunteer co-ordinator. They can vary in size from a couple of houses to entire estates.

Mr Hawes said by dealing with much of the administrative duties of watch schemes he could free officers up to respond to the useful information the schemes provided.

He said Devon & Cornwall Constabulary's community messaging service was another example of a service helping to bring people together and share information.

"Not since the days when a sheriff nailed pictures of wanted individuals outside his office has there been a way to provide so much information directly to the public," he said.

The messaging service is free to join and updates appealing for information or warning of ways to guard against particular crimes are passed on by telephone or computer. The Neighbourhood Watch information evening takes place next Monday at Tiverton Town's Ladysmead ground from 7pm.

The meeting is open to existing Neighbourhood Watch members or anyone interested in becoming part of the scheme.

Anyone hoping to attend is asked to contact Mr Hawes on 01884 233811 to help give an idea of numbers.