Email link to residents aims to cut crime

An email service that aims to reduce crime and attract more people into Neighbourhood Watch has been launched in Thurrock by Essex Police.

Residents have been asked to join the new E-Watch project in which newsletters about crime trends and crime reduction advice are sent out via the Internet.

The scheme has been devised by Insp Nick Morris and Sgt Anna Brennan, both based at South Ockendon police station, to make residents more aware of the type of crime being committed and how they can help stamp it out.

E-Watch will be available throughout the South Ockendon policing area, which also includes Purfleet, Belhus, Aveley, South West Thurrock and Lakeside.

Sgt Brennan said: “The potential for reaching people via the Internet is enormous and in time, thousands of people could quickly and efficiently receive regular updates about problems.

“At the same time people could use email to let us know about problems that might arise or send us information in response to our appeals for help.

“People should still dial 999 to make urgent calls or use the non-emergency number 0300 333 4444 when the need arises. But they can also use email to raise concerns about local issues or send us information that might not need urgent attention.

“Neighbourhood Watche is all about local people and the police working together and we are always looking for people to help run watches.

“We hope that by working together with people via email we might find more volunteers to help set up and run more Neighbourhood Watches.”