A VET watch scheme has been launched by a community safety partnership.
Flintshire and Wrexham Neighbourhood Watch Association operates more than 36 watch schemes.
Denise Edwards, chief officer for Flintshire and Wrexham Watch Associations, said: “Vets are going out in the community, sometimes alone, sometimes when it’s dark and in some quite remote locations.
“We won the Suzy Lamplugh Trust Safer Community Award and that’s all about personal safety.
“Through Flintshire Community Safety Partnership they were provided with some security resources to support them.
“Listening to their concerns and to look at the right approach to provide the opportunity for veterinary practices to register, a new watch scheme was devised; this is ‘vet watch’.
“The first vets to sign up to this was Village Vets in Buckley.”
Based at Mold Police Station, Flintshire and Wrexham watch schemes work in conjunction with the Online Watch Link (OWL).
It connects neighbourhood watch members and the police through the internet, phone, and other communication tools.
Information is circulated about the latest scams, burglaries or thefts in the area, missing people, stolen items and suspicious behaviour.
Crime alerts go out to members of schemes including schools, businesses, pubs, shops, churches and farms.
OWL will soon extend its service tokeep young people informed and to help them to be safe and also more vigilant.
Teen Messaging was introduced after young people asked for the service to help them feel safer and supported.
It is an important part of the Community Safety Partnerships and the High Sheriff’s Crimebeat initiative.
“Young people these days have access to so much technology,” said Denise.
“As you have to be 18 to sign up to, or form a watch scheme, Teen Messaging has been welcomed by young people.
“The communication system can be delivered in various languages, delivered via text, email or telephone for young people.”
She added: “People who have used OWL say it helps them feel safer in their homes.
“It helps to make our communities stronger and more confident in the knowledge their Community Safety Partnerships in North Wales are working with the public to improve the quality of life for everyone who lives, works and visits the area.”
Rhian Jones, senior community safety officer at Wrexham Council said: “We know burglary and vehicle crimes; they are crimes of opportunity and a lot of the time we have provided that opportunity.
“We know ourselves, we rush out and leave our phones on show in cars or the door unlocked at home – there’s your opportunity.
“OWL serves as a reminder to people that there are thieves out there and can help them be on their guard.”
To join Community Messaging or to form a Watch scheme in English, visit www.owl.co.uk and follow the links.