Nightshift urged to join fight against crime

Greater Manchester Police is calling on early risers to join them in the fight against crime by watching out for and reporting suspicious activity.

Taxi drivers, milk and newspaper delivery staff, shift workers and others whose work or lifestyle involves them being out and about in the small hours are being urged to join Dawn Watch to be extra eyes and ears for the police.

Officers say that many crimes such as burglary and vehicle theft occur in the dead of night and timely information from the public can prove crucial in quickly bringing offenders to justice.

People interested in the scheme can join Dawn Watch through their Neighbourhood Policing Team. They are also invited to provide contact details so local officers can get in touch to enlist their help and local knowledge in investigating crimes.

Police say that though the scheme does not give members any special legal powers the information they provide can help bring criminals to justice. They are also keen to stress that people should not put themselves at any risk either in observing or reporting crime.

Members get a handy wallet or purse size membership card that features contact details for the police and Crimestoppers as well as tips on what to look for and make a note of when they suspect they are observing criminal activity.

These include the date, time and location of incidents and names, addresses and telephone numbers of suspects. Personal details such as height, build, hair, colouring and clothing are also useful as are the makes, models, colours and registration details of vehicles that are involved.

Assistant Chief Constable Terry Sweeney said: “There are many recent cases where information from the public has proved to be the final piece of the jigsaw that helped us to put offenders away and stop them spreading misery in our communities.

“When the police, our partners and the public show a united front against crime it leaves offenders with two very simple options, to go straight or go straight to prison.

“I would urge people to join Dawn Watch to help us make their neighbourhoods safer, more pleasant places that they can be proud to live, work and grow up in.”

Ian Kay, the national milkman of the year 2010 said: “Milkmen and other delivery workers have excellent local knowledge of their patch and instinctively know when something is not right. They are also trusted members of their communities and protective of the people on their rounds.

“Through Dawn Watch they and others can play an important part in keeping their communities safe from burglars, robbers and thieves.”