FIREFIGHTERS and police officers will adopt each other's risk assessments when doorknocking residents to help prevent fires and crime. 

Oxfordshire County Council announced the scheme today, which will see police community support officers trained to spot and advise on fire-related risks when they make home visits, and firefighters trained in spotting crime risks.  

PSCOs currently refer residents to the fire service if they notice any fire dangers, with the same process in place if firefighters notice that people might be vulnerable to crime. 

Dave Etheridge, chief fire officer at the council's Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We have always worked closely with Thames Valley Police.

"By combining fire safety and home security advice, we can provide important community safety messages in an effective, seamless way that makes the best use of resources.

"Prevention is key to reducing crime and improving fire safety and I look forward to further joint initiatives with the police service."

The pilot scheme, which is hoped to increase the reach of the emergency services' home visits, will start in Carterton and the surrounding areas of West Oxfordshire this month. 

It will run for six months while the impact on community safety is monitored.

Chief Superintendent Andy Boyd, from the neighbourhood policing and partnerships team at Thames Valley Police, said: “This is a great example of how partnership working can work for not only the community but also for two agencies such as the police and fire service.

"I am looking forward to seeing the results from this and continuing our work supporting the fire service.”