Dog lovers are set to become an extra pair of eyes and ears for village police who have launched the Dogwalkerwatch scheme.
The idea behind the new initiative will see dog walkers in Bayston Hill keeping their eyes open for any suspicious activity when they take their pooches out for early morning and late night walks.
The idea has been introduced by Constable Ram Aston, local police officer for Bayston Hill and Haughmond, and his team of community support officers after hearing about successful schemes elsewhere.
The group will also be used to help educate the minority of dog walkers on cleaning up after their pets when out and about.
Constable Aston said: “Very few people are out and about when it’s dark during the early hours of the morning or late at night, but often that’s when crimes such as burglary, vehicle theft or criminal damage occur. Although Bayston Hill remains a very low crime area, we are not complacent and are always looking at ways to reduce levels even further.
“The one set of people you can guarantee are out and about during these times are dog walkers, so we’ve introduced DogWalkerWatch.
“Members are local volunteers who will be keeping their eyes and ears open for any suspicious activity while they are out walking their dogs.”
The scheme will run alongside other Watch initiatives and fortnightly meetings will be held to gather together any general information members had picked up.
“This is an extra service we can use to continue improving the quality of life for residents in Bayston Hill,” added Constable Aston.
