AN 88-YEAR-OLD crime fighter from St Albans who dedicates his life to helping the local community has received a lifetime award. Reg Law, who lives in Thirlmere Drive, was presented with an Outstanding Achievement award for service to St Albans Neighbourh

AN 88-YEAR-OLD crime fighter from St Albans who dedicates his life to helping the local community has received a lifetime award.

Reg Law, who lives in Thirlmere Drive, was presented with an Outstanding Achievement award for service to St Albans Neighbourhood Watch at a ward co-ordinators meeting in Harpenden last Wednesday.

Mr Law, who was said to be completely surprised by the honour, helped found the St Albans Neighbourhood Watch in 1997 and, after years of hard work, he is now chairman of an organisation which boasts over 6,000 members.

The award, a joint prize from the Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators and the police, was presented to Mr Law by fellow member of the Neighbourhood Watch Peter Yexley and Inspectors Mike Hanson and Debbie O'Malley of St Albans Police.

Mr Law said of the achievement: "I'm delighted to receive this award but feel that reducing crime is a community action - I merely co-ordinate things. It's all about being a good neighbour and St Albans has a very strong Neighbourhood Watch working in partnership with St Albans police."

He added: "Mark my words, if we do not reach out to our neighbours and watch out for the vulnerable, we are all going to live in fear of crime. I urge everybody to join their local Neighbourhood Watch and experience what it is like to be part of a massive community such as ours."

There are now over 1,000 Neighbourhood Watches in the St Albans District and to set up your own, contact Watch Liaison Officer for St Albans Stella Brimblecombe on 01727 796087.