A NEIGHBOURHOOD Watch-style scheme has been launched for dog owners in Malvern in a bid to crack down on crime.

DogWalkerWatch was launched this week with the aim of encouraging people to report suspicious behaviour and vandalism and graffiti, as well as more serious offences.

The initiative has been launched by West Mercia police with the help of Malvern Hills District Council, the Malvern Hills Conservators, Worcestershire Animal Rescue Centre (Wars) and Just for Pets. Community Support Officer Karen Watson, of the Priory ward, organised the scheme.

She said: “The idea is that people walking their dogs can help to be the eyes and ears of the force. We don’t want them to get physically involved, but to report things to us. They are out and about on the same routes every day and are more likely to notice something amiss than other people.

“The idea was originally launched in Wales and we expect valuable information to be passed on to tackle issues in the community.”

Membership is free and when people join they receive a free pack with literature on the scheme and useful goodies such as blinkers for dogs and poop bags. There are also magnets, pens and key rings containing DogWalkerWatch. Ian Rowat, director of Malvern Hills Conservators, said: “It will be a good way of helping our wardens to build up a picture and deal with some of the problems on our land as well as in the general community.”

For more information, call 08457 444888 and ask for Malvern station.