My name is PCSO DARREN FENNELL and I am a Dog Watch SPOC in Ryde Dog Watch is an initiative that encourages dog walkers to be pro-active and vigilant in their area whilst out walking their dogs. This is because they are often the first people out and about in the mornings, and the last ones out at night. They are then able to report any unusual observations, suspicious activity or anti-social behaviour back to the relevant authority. Reporting crimes as a member of Dog Watch Crime types include (but is not limited to): · Suspicious activity / vehicles · Graffiti / vandalism · Nuisance vehicles / speeding · Anti-social behaviour · Fly-tipping · Dog fouling · Hare-coursing · Dog related incidents (lost/stolen dogs, livestock worrying) · Injured animals · Abandoned vehicles It’s important to note that at no time will dog walkers be expected to intervene in any incidents. Their role is to simply report information to the police, council and partner agencies and vice versa, so together the community and authorities can help make neighbourhoods safer. Members of the public who walk their dogs in Hampshire and the IOW that are interested in joining the scheme will need to register to join www.hampshirealert.co.uk and select the 'Dog Watch' group. Targeted messages will then be sent directly to members from the relevant District Communication Officer, NPT PCSOs, Country Watch team, RPU, Strategic Ops, and any other internal department that would like to communicate with them. When you report, mention that you are a member of Dog Watch. Kind Regards, Darren |