Police launch Craven dog watch scheme

Police in Craven are launching a new dog watch scheme - and they hope the initiative will be supported by the thousands of dog walkers in the district.

Dog Watch operates on a similar basis to Neighbourhood Watch, but instead of the neighbourhood reporting suspicious activity, the onus is on the dog walker.

"As dog walkers tend to be out and about early mornings and late evenings, whilst other people are indoors, they are more likely to see or hear things relating to crime," said police community support officer Sarah Hargreaves.

"By encouraging more people to report any suspicious, anti-social behaviour or criminal activity to the police, they can help North Yorkshire Police to reduce crime, the fear of crime and help increase the quality of life for many of Craven's residents and workers.

"We are not asking people to put themselves at risk, walk in places they are not happy to or walk late at night. We are asking them to feedback community information that could assist the police. Walkers will often walk together and talk so this is a great opportunity to pass on information."

She added that just being out and about could reduce crime, as offenders would not act if someone was nearby.

Dog Watch, which is funded by Craven Community Safety Partnership and supported by Craven District Council, will be launched next Saturday, April 21, with events at Aireville Park, Skipton, from 11am to noon, outside Tesco on the town's Craven Street, from 12.15pm to 1.45pm, and Embsay Reservoir, from 2pm to 3pm.

Those signing up for the scheme will receive a quarterly newsletters, ring round messages and regular emails.

For more information, contact Sarah at Skipton Police Station on 101.

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