Over recent months I have been updating you on Crime Prevention operations that your local Police have undertaken and things that you can do to help protect yourselves and your homes.

In this column, I would like to update you on a new initiative that your local Police, in Herefordshire, are undertaking. The initiative is the employment of a Watch Scheme Coordinator. This new post has been possible because of a ground breaking partnership with Ross on Wye NFU Mutual and has been funded by West Mercia Police, Police and Crime Commissioner's Rural Crime Fund.

Mr Paul Crumpton is the new Watch Coordinator. He can be contacted by email at [email protected]">[email protected], or by telephone on 01905 727402, or through our switchboard on 101 extension 67102. Please contact him if you are currently in a Watch Scheme, interested in starting one or just want some more information before making a decision.

Paul's role is to work with all the various communities and businesses across Herefordshire to help them develop a 'Watch Scheme' that meets their needs and helps them better protect themselves and their belongings. He will be working with your local Safer Neighbourhood Teams to help them develop schemes and coming to community events to explain what his role is over the coming months.

More News: If you are unfortunate enough to have property stolen, there is a local online resource available to everyone in the county that allows you to list property that has been stolen, if you have a photo. Police will also be using this in the coming future to list items of property we have recovered that we are trying to reunite with its owners. The website can be found at http://www.itsbeennicked.co.uk">www.itsbeennicked.co.uk Please have a look it is very easy to use.

Finally, last month I updated you on a new national resource to tackle rural crime – 'The National Rural Crime Network' (NRCN). The NRCN is undertaking a national survey to try and build up a comprehensive picture of the impact of policing and crime in all rural communities. Please follow the link and then click on the 'Take the Survey' link. The website can be found at http://www.nationalruralcrimenetwork.net">http://www.nationalruralcrimenetwork.net. The survey takes about 10-15 minutes. Have a look.

Inspector Bob Barnett, West Mercia Police