CRIMEFIGHTERS in Cornwall are being rewarded with £500 to spend on crime prevention after winning first prize in the regional heats of a nationwide competition launched by ADT Fire and Security.

Beating off stiff competition, Kerrier District Neighbourhood Watch Forum has won the prestigious title of regional winner in the security company's competition to find ADT National Neighbourhood Watch Group of the Year.

ADT - sponsor of National Neighbourhood Watch Week - has awarded the substantial cash prize to the Kerrier District Forum for developing the most innovative and public-spirited crime-busting ideas for its community.

The group had a busy week and organised a wide variety of events in order to include as many people as possible.

Sandra Calvert, a representative for Kerrier District Neighbourhood Watch Forum said: "We are delighted to have won this title, as our team has worked extremely hard in organising the events we planned for Neighbourhood Watch Week.

"We covered every aspect of crime prevention and advice during the week and involved as many members of the community as we possibly could, and all the hard work has certainly paid off!"

They promoted crime prevention at Murdoch Day in Redruth using their ADT sponsored community vehicle and arranged a static display at Helston Motor Show. Volunteers visited beauty spot car parks in a two-day vehicle crime campaign to promote the "Don't give them an easy ride" campaign and a distraction burglary display was organised in Redruth town council chambers.

To finish the busy week on a fun note, a quiz was organised in the Sportsmans Arms, Four Lanes, for all forum members.

In recognition of its efforts, the group has been awarded a specially commissioned trophy as well as the £500 cash prize, which will help fund more crime prevention ideas they have for the Kerrier district.

Kerrier district and two other regional finalists are now competing against each other for the national award of ADT Neighbourhood Watch Group of the Year. The overall winner will be presented with an engraved plaque and a further cheque for £1,000 - again to invest in crime-busting measures.

Jackie Hewitt, home security marketing manager at ADT Fire and Security, added: "ADT would like to congratulate Kerrier District Neighbourhood Watch Forum on becoming a regional winner in the ADT National Neighbourhood Watch Group of the Year competition.