Canal Watch extended

WITH so many problems on canal towpaths, the Canal Watch scheme is now being introduced by Staffordshire Police, to get towpath users to report suspicious activity.

People are being asked to sign up to Canal Watch which will give them access to OWL—Online Watch System that is currently in use by Neighbourhood Watch groups, Alan Tilbury reveals.

Discover about incidents

Those who sign up to the scheme will be able to report suspicious activity as well as find out about any incidents on the waterways in their area.

The mid-Staffordshire scheme is being launched by Staffordshire Police next week. It follows the launch of a similar scheme in South Staffordshire in March 2011 which has proved a success.

Encourage the public

Louise Jones, the Staffordshire Police Canal Watch co-ordinater, explained:

"Our neighbourhood officers and PCSOs routinely patrol the canal towpaths but as we have such a large network we want to encourage members of the public to keep an eye out for any suspicious activity near canals.

"The towpaths are often used by dog walkers, joggers and people fishing, and it is these regular users who can help us continue to keep crime on towpaths and canals low.

"The scheme allows members to access and share information on reported incidents in their area by email, text or by visiting the Canal Watch Facebook page they will also receive advice and guidance on crime prevention.

This official launch takes place today at Aston Marina on the Trent & Mersey Canal.