MORE than 50,000 homes and businesses in Gwent have signed up to the Online Watch Link (OWL) to help increase vigilance and reduce crime.

The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Gwent, Ian Johnston, has funded and supported the neighbourhood watch system in Gwent since he was elected more than two years ago.

Gwent Police use OWL to send targeted messages to members by email, phone or test. The alerts tell members what is happening in the community. Other benefits include a Fix my Street application that allows watch members to report problems such as broken street lights to their council.

Assistant Chief Constable at Gwent Police Lorraine Bottomley said: “OWL is a brilliant tool that enables residents to be part of the policing family and helps us to prevent crime and detect incidents that have taken place in the local community.

“50,000 members is a fantastic achievement and I would like to thank members of Neighbourhood Watch, Crime Prevention panels, police cadets and community support officers for their continued support and hard work in registering new members to the system.”

Mr Johnston said: “OWL is fantastic initiative that is managed by residents for the good of their own neighbourhoods and communities. It enables them to receive and share information about what matters to them in the way they choose.

“Owl is an efficient and valuable tool to prevent and deter crime and reduce incidents of anti-social behaviour as well as reassuring residents. It’s a great example of police working with partners and members of the community to achieve a common goal, to make Gwent a safe place.”

Kenneth Oliphant, chairman of Gwent Neighbourhood Watch Association, said “I am glad that neighbourhood watch has played an important part in signing people up to OWL and look forward to even more people being signed up in the future.” To join OWL, email your name, address, email address and phone number to OWL@gwent.pnn.police.uk or visit owl.co.uk/gwent