Residents will be receiving crime alerts by text message within weeks as part of an innovative new scheme to combat vehicle crime and burglaries.
Neighbourhood Watch chiefs have sent out letters inviting everyone signed up to their scheme to have their details entered on to a new Ringmaster database.
Once the database is up and running, people will receive updates on crimes and potential criminal activity within minutes by fax, text message, voicemail and email.
More projects are expected to be rolled out over the next few months to help cater for every aspect of community life, including Horse Watch, Rural Watch, Forecourt Watch and Business Watch. It is also planned to involve schools in the initiative.
The scheme currently has around 460 residents signed up across the county, and at the moment alerts are sent out only by email. It is hoped the new project will lead to an increase in members signing up.
The new system was introduced in the Telford area in January, and bosses hope to set up the database for Neighbourhood Watch by next month.
Jade Smalley, clerk of Neighbourhood Watch in Shropshire, said: “We are hoping it will encourage more people to sign up, and we will roll out further projects like Horse Watch and Forecourt Watch over the next few months.”
Borough councillor Judith Williams said: “Anything that cuts down crime has to be a good idea.”
To sign up for the scheme visit www.safer-shropshire.org or call 08457 444888 ext 69011.
• What do you think? Call us on 01743 283313 or email pkitchen@shrewsbury chronicle.co.uk