Neighbourhood Watch schemes could be set up in streets around Braithwaite Village in Keighley.

Seven residents volunteered to meet with police to look at setting up the crime-fighting schemes.

The hope is the Watches – which involve householders looking out for suspicious activity – would cover Braithwaite Village, Braithwaite Road and all the surrounding streets.

The initiative grew out of a meeting at Braithwaite Village Hall this month attended by more than 30 residents.

Householders, speaking with PC Shelley Green and ward councillor Jan Smithies, expressed concern about an increase in stone thefts.

One woman said she had been forced to pay more than £1,000 to replace steps to her property following one incident.

The meeting discussed various ways in which people could look out for each others’ properties.

Suggestions included marking stone walls and paths with ‘smart water’ so they would be visible if stolen.

Coun Smithies said: “I am really pleased so many people volunteered to look into becoming Neighbour-hood Watch co-ordinators.

“Many people came up to me at the end to ask for these sort of meetings on a more regular basis in the area.”

Coun Smithies hopes the New Church in Braithwaite could become a regular venue for Bradford Council neighbourhood forums.