September 5, 2011 2.54 pm This story is over 149 months old

Lincolnshire policing joins the 21st century

Police alerts: Lincolnshire Police have begun sending updates via email and text to residents’ mobile phones in a bid to cut crime.

Police reports straight to your mobile phone is Lincolnshire Police’s latest effort to embrace technology with their new Lincs Alert system.

Local residents can now visit the Lincs Alert website to sign up for email or text (SMS) alerts with an aim to reduce crime and provide community safety advice.

The service also allows users to feed information straight to their neighbourhood policing teams to keep them up to date with issues in local areas.

Inspector Philip Baker is in charge of setting up the scheme and is urging residents to get on board and share information that will help keep them safe.

Baker said: “Knowledge is power and if there is the potential that criminals are operating in your area, we want to know as much as you do.  

“We see this as a two-way communication tool that both the police, and those we serve, can benefit from.”

Lincs Alert aims to work hand-in-hand with Neighbourhood Watch schemes that are in place and requires a similar level of public cooperation to succeed.

Lincolnshire Police provide a few examples of the type of updates residents can expect from the new system:

“Elderly person’s home on Vine Street targeted by distraction burglars claiming to be from the Water Board. Please ask all unknown callers for ID, do not allow entry where you have any concerns at all and keep an eye out for vulnerable neighbours.”

“Two men in a suspicious silver vehicle seen parked near the church and driving slowly by homes along Minster Street. Please report any incidents of concern and remain vigilant in securing your home and property.

“Your local team is currently targeting repeat anti-social behaviour in the play area. Reports include intimidating behaviour, egg throwing and general noise. Please log any associated incidents that you know of and report times and dates to the local team to help arm them with a full picture of the problem and feed into their action plan.”

The authority also claims that the service is confidential and secure with no personal details being shared without consent.