Community messaging system launched

Cheshire Police Alert enables you to receive messages from the police, including news, appeals local crime alerts and crime prevention advice through a choice of email, text message or voicemail.

Messages are tailored to your geographical area or personal interests, ensuring the information you receive is relevant to you.

And it′s not just the police who communicate using this system − Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service, and the Police & Crime Commissioner also issue messages, along with the county′s local authorities.

Home Watch co-ordinator Liz Biddle uses the service regularly to deliver messages to members across the county.

She said: “We are encouraging everyone in Cheshire to register for this service. It′s free and a great way of keeping right up to date with everything going on in your area.

“Not only can you receive news specific to where you live, but also to your interest or business area. For example, local business owners can opt to receive information about spates of crime affecting businesses, or farmers might be interested in our Farm Watch and Rural Watch channels.

“At Home Watch it′s been a useful tool for contacting registered members and keeping them up to date. Anyone and everyone could benefit from using this service.”

Cheshire′s Police & Crime Commissioner John Dwyer said: “Communicating with the public is an important part of my role. I know that people are busy and I want to offer as many ways as possible for people to keep in touch with what I′m doing and to have their say about policing. I want to encourage people to sign up to this alert system, as it enables them to be kept up to date not only with what I′m doing, but with any major incidents and local news for their local area.”

You can register for Cheshire Police Alert or find out further information by visiting www.cheshirepolicealert.co.uk.