A community policeman is urging local people to take part in a volunteer patrolling scheme to combat youth crime.

PC Mark Pinder, beat officer for Portslade north, plans to set up a Sentinel scheme, which would involve pairs of volunteers patrolling the community.

PC Pinder said: "Portslade, like most places, does have its problems with some youths causing the occasional disturbance.

"The scheme is only planned for the Mile Oak area to start with. I do not think Sentinel is something that will eradicate all crime within the area.

"It is initially a scheme that will help residents and police combat minor problems. If you can deal with the minor quality of life issues like this you can nip bigger problems in the bud."

Volunteers would alert the police to incidents via mobile phones or small radios.

PC Pinder said: "It is a form of neighbourhood watch, but with this it is actually getting people out on the streets walking around the area.

"If volunteers see anything they are not sure of, however minor - like kicking a bin around or smashing something - that affects people's quality of life and they should call me.

"The volunteers will be passive and non-confrontational. They do not get involved at any stage.

"I am looking at having around 50 or 60 volunteers, which would mean they would only have to do one or two hours a fortnight."

The scheme would be the first of its kind in Brighton and Hove.

A similar project, which has been commended for its success, is running in the Whyke area of Chichester.