Paws On Patrol

17 May 2012

Officers in south-east Ipswich are launching a new crime prevention initiative involving dog walkers this weekend.

On Saturday 19 May, Ipswich South East Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) in partnership with Ipswich Borough Council, is launching 'Paws on Patrol'. Dog walkers are encouraged to join the scheme to help prevent crime and anti-social behaviour by reporting suspicious activity, seen during their regular walks, to police.

To mark the launch the SNT is holding an event at Holywells Park from 10am to 4pm. 'Local heroes' police dog handler PC Steve Jay and his dog Aman will be attending between 10am to 12pm. Staff from Highcliff Veterinary Practice will be present and offering free canine health checks and advice. Pets at Home have also kindly donated free dog products.

PCSO Jayne McCusker, who has organised the initiative with help from PCSO Rob Stringer-Calvert, said: "Our aim is to make the community safer by enrolling local dog walkers to be our eyes and ears in their local area. We are asking for anyone that lives in south-east Ipswich to come along to the event and find out more."

Members of the media are welcome to attend the event. Members of the public can call 101 and speak with Ipswich South East SNT for more information.