Community messaging is helping to crack crime in Northumberland.
Police started issuing messages in 2008 and the service has grown to such an extent that almost 3,000 people in the county now receive monthly news and regular crime prevention advice bulletins.
Many have also signed up for crime alerts, which are sent to residents living near where an offence has taken place via email, text or voicemail, giving the time, location and type of crime, and asking for information about suspicious activity.
The service warns neighbours to be on alert, while feedback is used to help catch offenders.
Bulletins are issued through the Farmwatch initiative, as well as schemes for boat owners, churches, caravan parks, schools, shops, pubs and neighbourhood watch.
Police are keen for more people to sign up and officers are promoting it when they carry out enquiries.
Chief Superintendent Gordon Milward said: “We’ve had great feedback about the information we provide and it’s good to know it is valued and used by our communities to prevent crime.
“It gives people advice they can use to keep themselves and their property safe from criminals. Just as importantly, it’s also a two-way communication process. After we’ve issued a crime alert we encourage residents to report back if they think they’ve seen any of the suspicious vehicles or people mentioned. This enables us to build a bigger picture of offenders, aids our intelligence gathering, and helps us assess where next might be vulnerable.”
To sign up for messages call the Neighbourhood Policing Team on 101.