Dog walkers in Wolverhampton urged to join crime-busting paw patrol
A 'paw patrol' crime-busting scheme has been welcomed by dog walkers who will act as "the eyes and ears of the community."
The Paws on Patrol scheme has been launched in Wolverhampton in a bid to tackle everything from dog fouling and fly tipping to anti-social behaviour, drug dealing and dangerous driving.
Dog walkers who sign up are asked to report such issues to West Midlands Police, Wolverhampton council or another relevant authority.
Among the first people to sign up is Ed Boyle, who has two Lhasa Apso dogs, Millie and Maisey.
He said: “Paws on Patrol in essentially a type of Neighbourhood Watch initiative, but for dog walkers.
“I’m often out and about in the community taking the dogs for a walk, and while I am doing this I am basically the eyes and ears of the community.
"It makes sense that I am empowered to report anything suspicious to the authorities, and I and my fellow dog walkers will be very happy to do so.”
The new initiative has been launched by Safer Wolverhampton Partnership, which aims to tackle issues of crime and community safety.
Partners include West Midlands Police, the council, West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service, Wolverhampton Clinical Commissioning Group and Wolverhampton Homes.
Paws on Patrol is funded by the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner’s Active Citizens Fund.
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, David Jamieson, said: "I am delighted to have helped fund this community project using the ill-gotten gains of criminals.”
Bosses insist members of Paws on Patrol will not be expected to put themselves in any danger or approach anyone who they suspect of committing a crime, but will instead be given the information they need to contact the police or other appropriate agencies to deal with the issue they have spotted.
Dog owners who sign up will be issued with a membership card, containing contact details for the police, Wolverhampton’s Anti-Social Behaviour Team and the Customer Services team at the council.
As a thank-you for their involvement, they will also receive a reflective dog collar for their pet, a poop bag holder and poop bags.
To find out more about signing up to Paws on Patrol, visit www.saferwton.org.uk/get-involved/paws-on-patrol or call the Safer Wolverhampton Partnership on 01902 550042.
