I AM sometimes asked how people can become more aware of potential scams, fraud or criminal activities doing the rounds locally.
My answer, always, is sign up to the Devon and Cornwall Police Alert System as I consider it to be a very useful tool to keep in the armoury.
The system has been around for some considerable time but unfortunately its public awareness is not as good as it could be, despite being publicised widely by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.
So let me do my bit by helping to spread the word.
How does it work?
Recorded messages are sent by telephone, email or text message to individuals, groups or businesses.
As they say, forewarned is forearmed.
It is also a two-way system allowing the police to connect with communities.
It tells people what is happening in their area and allows them to respond directly with any information.
The system is designed to allow people to choose the type of information they would like to receive such as:
Crime
Anti-social behaviour
Witness appeals
Missing person appeals
Community events
Local good news.
Subscribers decide how they receive the alerts and at what time of day the message will arrive.
So why not take a few minutes and join this worthwhile alert system and become part of the bigger informed network?
In doing so you will become part of an ever-growing community that is one step ahead of those who would seek to exploit our area to their own ends.
Between us and the police force, let’s aim to make the region one of the highest registered in the country and set an example to others to follow.
Sign-up details are below and if you do not have access to the internet there are other options available. Copies of the Alert signing up form are also available at Newton’s Place and Newton Abbot Library
? Please follow the link to the online form if you wish to register.