EAGLE-eyed dog walkers are being encouraged to report anti-social behaviour as part of a new community initiative.

Redbridge Police launched their Dogwatch scheme in Woodford Green's Ray Park last week to ask pet owners to keep a look out for any criminal activity and report it to the authorities.

Sara Molloy, 43, of Glastonbury Avenue, Woodford Green, regularly walks in the park with her two retrievers Bobby and Murphy.

The mum-of-one said: "I consider it as an extension of Neighbourhood Watch and I wanted to be part of it as there are quite a lot of dog walkers in Ray Park in all weather during summer and winter who see what goes on.

"In the past I've reported aggressive dogs and owners as well as vandalism such as when youngsters lit fires in the park last year.

"I carry the number of the parks police on me as it's reassuring as a woman walking alone."

A spokeswoman for Redbridge Police said the Dogwatch scheme had been successful on other wards within Redbridge and also other boroughs.

She added: "Dog Watch Asks local dog walkers to become extra 'eyes and ears' of the community.

"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.

"As dog walkers often walk together it is a good way of getting information about.

"We would encourage them to report any suspicious behaviour and anti-social behaviour and environmental issues such as graffiti and vandalised equipment."

Anyone interested in taking part in Dogwatch should call 8345 2628 or 07766 247 243 leaving their name, address, telephone number, and email address.