Criminals have helped residents living on an RAF base to take drastic steps to cut crime.
Twelve Neighbourhood Watch schemes have been set up at RAF Waddington to cover the base's 395 houses.
The schemes were officially launched yesterday by Squadron Leader John Mill bank, crime reduction officer Mick Lake and Martin Dickie, the Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator.
The Defence Housing Executive sponsored the Watch signs, which were erected by offenders who were accompanied by the divisional organiser of Probation Community Services, Tony Goude.
He said: "We are pleased to be associated with the initiative.
"Our workers show interest in the project, they learn some skills from the task and our input is important in assisting the community with this crime prevention scheme."
Research has shown that houses which are involved in Neighbourhood Watch have a decreased crime rate compared to other areas.
Although RAF Waddington does not have a high crime rate, it is thought the implementation of the Neighbourhood Watch groups will discourage criminals.
Mr Dickie stressed the important role Neighbourhood Watch can play in a community.
"Although RAF Waddington is in the North Kesteven district, which has a very low crime rate, it is still horrible for residents who are victims of crime," he said.
"Hopefully, we can get the crime rate even lower still with the introduction of Neighbourhood Watch."
Sqdn Ldr Millbank, organiser of the RAF Waddington scheme, wanted to implement Neighbourhood Watch in 1997 but was unable to pursue the project then because of a posting.
"We are in a unique situation on the RAF base," he said.
"We are behind the wire from the rest of Waddington.
"Because there is such a high turnover of people coming to the base and being posted away we want to try and get a sense of community in operation.
"Street co-ordinators will have a quarterly meeting with Lincolnshire police and will be able to contact them if they have any problems."
Because of the high turnover of residents it is important to promote the Watch scheme, said Sqdn Ldr Millbank.
"We are involved in an ongoing process to recruit residents to the scheme.
"Some people are under the impression that it's a difficult process to get under way.
"By setting up the groups we will raise awareness and show that it is easy and straightforward.
"Hopefully, this will encourage more people to become involved."
Sqdn Ldr Millbank added that there are benefits to Neighbourhood Watch other than crime reduction.
"Having Neighbourhood Watch will make the area a nicer place to live," he said.
"It's not just about crime but it brings communities together to promote neighbourliness."