A VILLAGE neighbourhood watch scheme is set to go hi-tech.

Belmont residents' homes will get extra protection as part of a new computer scheme launched last night, linking co-ordinators to the police via e-mail.

The system will allow them to receive weekly intelligence briefings from community officers.

The state-of-the-art technology was piloted in the South Blackburn police division, and is now to be introduced across Lancashire Police's eastern area, covering Belmont.

A Lancashire Police spokesman said: "In the division, we believe that a thriving Neighbourhood Watch will help us bring down crime.

"The briefing will not be complex, but will highlight the crime trends and hotspots. Such a network will also let police pass witness appreals or crime prevention advice to the public.

"The whole scheme will be a two way flow of information."

Last night, police chiefs and NHW co-ordinators gathered at Darwen police station for the launch of the scheme. If members do not have computers with e-mail capability, they will be issued with e-mail machines.