A BUILDER specialising in homes for retired people has joined forces with Crimestoppers to help senior citizens.

McCarthy and Stone's projects have included Goddard Court in Swindon's Cricklade Street.

The Crimestoppers number will be on display and the Crimestoppers Trust will also arrange guidance for the elderly residents and explain how to improve their personal safety when out.

The idea is that having the number shown prominently will reduce the residents' fear of crime.

Company chairman Keith Lovelock said: "From the moment we start on a new development we will be showing the Crimestoppers logo on the hoarding around the building site to raise the public's awareness of the scheme.

"The Crimestoppers name will remain on signs placed at the main entrance and elsewhere around the outside of the building as a reminded of the need to be vigilant."

Crimestoppers' details will also be placed on display at the firm's existing buildings.

Crimestoppers is a confidential hotline for people wishing to report their suspicions of wrongdoing even if they do not wish to leave their name.

It has been running for 15 years, been credited with solving 55,000 crimes and can be reached at 0800 555111.