Dog walkers in Woodford Bridge are being asked to be the eyes and ears of the community in a new police initiative

POLICE are calling on dog walkers to help them cut crime as a new intitative is launched in Woodford Bridge.

The scheme, which takes its inspiration from Neighbourhood Watch groups, is inviting local dog walkers interested in being the eyes and ears of the community, to bring their canine friends along to a Dog Watch Initiative event.

Organised by PC Kirsty Rothon, residents have been asked to congregate in the car park in Ray Park off Snakes Lane East in Woodford Bridge this Saturday at 1pm.

A spokesperson for Dog Watch said: “Dog walkers have the time to be observant, they look at the environment and see what is going on around them.

"Its main aim is to create a partnership between the local community, the police and the local authority.

“We would encourage them to report any suspicious behaviour and environmental issues such as graffiti and vandalised equipment.”

The new initiative hopes to help combat crime in the area and has proved to be a success in other parts of Redbridge as well as in other boroughs.

Anyone interested in taking part in the event or wishing to know more can contact Dog Watch on: 8345 2628 or: 07766247243, leaving their name and contact details.