Keeping a web watch on crime

A NEW internet homewatch-style scheme has been launched in Royton, Shaw and Crompton.

E-Watch is a database which will allow Greater Manchester Police to contact residents about local incidents, urgent warnings and a monthly newsletter.

Locals can also email police — who will check the system every 24 hours — with information about crimes.

Stephen Bridgehouse, of Brantwood Drive, Royton, who recently lost £650 to bogus builders when his father was forced to hand over cash, said he was delighted to see the scheme being set up.

“I think it’s a great idea and I would think the response would be good, especially from older people.

“Obviously it would help if people are savvy with IT but I will probably sign my dad up and show him how to check the emails himself.”

Insp Karen Taylor said the idea had come from a new scheme which has recently been set up in Saddleworth and was already proving a success.

She said that a lot of people had already signed up for the Royton scheme, even though leaflets were only just being delivered.

She said: “Police in Saddleworth were holding meetings in the evenings but due to work commitments they were finding a lot of people couldn’t attend.

“One of our PCSOs came up with the idea to set up this scheme so that people could contact them at any time of day from home or work.

“The majority of people have computers and most have email addresses which they check daily. We can use the system to flash up messages on there which are urgent and which we couldn’t otherwise let people know quickly.”

Royton and Shaw police are also using twitter to update the public.

To follow their daily updates on twitter, follow: GMPRoytonShaw

To join the scheme send an email, with the subject “e-watch”, to: roytonandshaw.npt@gmp.police.uk and include your name, address and phone number.