Shomrim, The strictly Orthodox neighbourhood watch group, has helped locate 31 missing people over the last year.

Based in Stamford Hill, north London, the volunteer security force regularly assists with searches for missing vulnerable people — among them dementia sufferers and young children who have wandered off from their parents.

The figure was published this week in the organisation’s annual statistics report, which also highlighted the 136 arrests Shomrim was involved in.

The suspects were accused of a range of offences including burglary, violent robbery, indecent exposure and drunk driving.

The fight against antisemitism is key to Shomrim’s work and in 2016 their efforts resulted in the arrest of 19 people for antisemitic crimes.

The recorded incidents of verbal abuse, threats to kill and physical violence against Jews have resulted in several people being charged.

Rabbi Herschel Gluck, president of Shomrim in north and east London described 2016 as a “very active year”.

He said: “Sadly the need for an organisation such as Shomrim has increased, but we are committed to do everything in our power to diminish the causes which require an organisation such as ours.”

He added: “Whilst we appreciate the authorities dealing with the consequences of antisemitism, we would much prefer for these antisemitic attitudes not to be there in the first place.”

Detective Chief Superintendent Simon Laurence, Hackney borough commander, said he was “proud to endorse and support the relentless and tireless work of the Shomrim”.

He added: “I would like to pass on my particular thanks to those members of the Shomrim who have supported investigations and prosecutions by giving witness statements and attending court and giving evidence.

“Hate crime will not be tolerated in London.”