Computer aids local crime fight

Residents will be informed of crimes such as burglary

A new computer system is set to warn Teesside residents if criminal activity is happening in their area.

The Ringmaster 10,000 campaign, set up by Cleveland Police, and managed by the Safer Hartlepool Partnership, aims to cover thousands of homes in the town.

Everyone who signs up will receive information if a bogus caller, burglary, or other incident takes place in their street.

They will be contacted by text message, email, or home or mobile telephone.

Inspector Peter Knights from Cleveland Police said: "We want to change the perception of neighbourhood watch and target everyone who lives and works in Hartlepool whether they are young or old.

"We are offering a new and improved scheme which will remove the image of the nosy neighbour and replace it with one that stands for people who are dedicated to tackling crime."