Police hoping to enlist extra eyes and ears (From Swindon Advertiser)

Police hoping to enlist extra eyes and ears

8:10am Friday 27th January 2012 in Local By Scott D'Arcy

POLICE are hoping a new project will give criminals paws for thought as they ask dog owners and their pets to help them sniff out crime.

Dubbed Dog Walker Watch, the new scheme is the brainchild of Upper Stratton community beat manager PC Frank Key and will be piloted in Stratton and Highworth for the first six months.

He is hoping legions of the town’s dog walkers will pledge their support and become extra eyes and ears for the police.

PC Key said dog walkers could prove to be a valuable asset to local officers.

He said: “It’s something I’ve been developing for a little while and I’ve been given the go-ahead to pilot it in Stratton and Highworth.

“It’s like neighbourhood watch but more proactive and I’m hoping it’s going to take off and we can roll it out across Swindon.

“Dog walkers can be a good resource because they are out at all hours and so I thought it was something we could tap into to help us prevent and detect crime.

“At the moment there is no network or way of sharing information but I’m hoping they sign up for this scheme and can work with us.

“Also we can send out group messages and issue advice for dog-related issues, including directing them to the council if they are not police matters.

“It’s a two way thing and we are not asking for people to go out on patrol for us. We will still be maintaining patrols in the area.

“It will run for six months in Stratton and Highworth and we can iron out any teething problems. I’m hoping it will be really successful and hundreds will sign up.”

Stratton resident Ingrid Howard, pictured left, who was walking her dog Lexi on the playing fields off Cricklade Road yesterday, said she would join the scheme.

“I think it’s an excellent idea,” she said. “I would ring the police if I heard or saw something awful and there are a lot of dog walkers who go around at all hours and notice things. I would sign up.”

Her friend Lynne Huntley, 54, of Stratton, agreed.

She said: “I think after dark in the parks it can be a bit shifty and there are usually bottles and cans left lying about so who knows what is going on.

“It’s a good idea and I would sign up.”

For more information contact francis.key@wiltshire.pnn.police.uk or visit Swindon Garden Centre between 11.30am and 1.30pm on Saturday, February 4.