Man U keeper Van der Sar takes safety of team-mates into his hands

London, Mar. 20 : In a bid to keep his team-mates safe from armed gangs, Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin Van der Sar has set up a Neighbourhood Watch scheme.

Under the scheme, the Holland stopper has urged all neighbours at housing development in Alderley Edge, Cheshire, to look out for each other and check up on one another.

The footie ace has become ultra security conscious after an armed gang struck the home of Utd midfielder Darren Fletcher last year.

Rio Ferdinand, Patrice Evra and a host of other soccer stars live at Alderley Edge, Cheshire.

"Edwin has set up this unofficial neighbourhood watch scheme which not only covers his team-mates and their wives but also his nearby neighbours," The Sun quoted a source, as saying.

"They will all look out for each other and check up on one another," he added.

The 39-year-old, 6ft 5in goalkeeper has taken to patrolling the posh neighbourhood following a series of raids on the homes of north west based Premier League players.

"Edwin wants to put an end to the fear among his team-mates from armed gangs targeting their homes," the source said.

"Some of the players and especially the WAGs have been living in constant fear. They are petrified that they will become the gang''s next victim," he added.