“Non-confrontational” vigilantes are set to “take back their streets” as they prepare to patrol in their neighbourhood.

Ilford Recorder: Loxford Ward's Pc Eleanor CovellLoxford Ward's Pc Eleanor Covell (Image: Archant)

Loxford Ward residents are set to keep an eye out for criminal activity in Ilford as part of a police initiative to restore a “sense of community” while building intelligence in the area.

Officers are calling for more volunteers to take part in the Street Watch scheme, which they hope will start next month – provided that more people get involved.

Volunteers Jamie Santos, 39, and Raquel Cerezo, 36, have already signed up.

“We moved to the area couple of years ago, very excited about moving into a new house and a new neighbourhood,” said Jamie.

“We have always been engaged about what goes on around us. Although we love the area, there is always room for improvement.”

The pair got in touch with Loxford officers Pc Eleanor Covell and Pc Glenn Pilley to see how they could help prevent crime in the area.

Raquel said: “Together we started to discuss and plan. Then we were introduced to Street Watch and how it’s working in other London areas and decided to start it with the help of Pc Eleanor and Pc Glenn.

“We are now very close to starting it and very excited to get local people involved in making Loxford a place we can be proud of.”

Pc Covell is looking forward to getting the project underway.

“The idea is that they’re taking back their streets and it’s totally non-confrontational,” she said.

“They get a personal alarm and they’re given a training session – if they get into any conflict they should call 999.”

The officer said it was a chance for people to give back to the community and highlight issues in the area, which covers Ilford Lane and the streets coming off it.

“The idea is it’s totally run by the community – people that know the area well,” she said.

“It’s about keeping the community safer and it’s a nice community thing where you can get to know people, get people talking and bring a sense of community back.”

To get involved email eleanor.covell@met.pnn.police.uk