Dog Walkers to Sniff out Trouble

A new Neighbourhood Dog Watch - with the slogan Taking the Lead - has been launched by Park End Ward Officers, to run alongside the town’s Neighbourhood Watch Scheme (NHW).

Dreamt up by PC Ian Lambert and PCSO Simon French and believed to be the only one of its kind in the country, the scheme involves residents out walking their dogs on the estate reporting anything they see or believe to be suspicious to police.

The Neighbourhood Dog Watch is the central feature in a whole host of initiatives taking place on the estate, with police joined by several partners.

Middlesbrough Borough Council will act on environmental issues such as fly tipping or broken street lights if residents report them, and their Dog Wardens are offering free dog micro-chipping and poop scoop bags to any Park End resident who joins the scheme.

Cleveland Fire Brigade is giving free smoke alarms out, as well as home fire safety checks and Middlesbrough NHW is offering other home security equipment – this includes wireless burglar alarms, dawn till dusk lights, security door bars and chains.  All items are free, with free fitting subject to availability.

STEM (Stronger Together in East Middlesbrough) have also got on board with Neighbourhood Dog Watch and have provided poop scoops, dispensers and shed alarms for a welcome pack which even includes a treat for dogs!

PC Lambert said: “The Neighbourhood Dog Watch Scheme, along with all our partners’ activity, builds upon the excellent work that has already been carried out and it will help reduce anti-social behaviour and overall crime on the estate.”

PCSO French added: “The idea is really simple and it helps residents feel involved in a very worthwhile scheme.  With the help and support of the community and other organisations we can make Park End a safer, cleaner and greener place to live.”

And Val Gibson, STEM Development Officer said:  “I think it’s a great idea and the scheme is fully supported by STEM.  It enables agencies to work more closely with local residents and support Neighbourhood Watch on the estate.”

Members of the NHW and Dog Watch schemes can also take advantage of a community safety information facility – Communi-K.  This allows residents to receive up to date information from Middlesbrough Borough Council and Cleveland Police via text, phone or email.

Click here for more information on Neightbourhood Watch

You can contact the Neighbourhood Watch Liaison Officer for Middlesbrough directly by using the telephone number or email address below: Middlesbrough - 01642 303199 - nhw.middlesbrough@cleveland.pnn.police.uk