COMMUNITIES in North Wales can now keep up to date with personalised policing news following the launch of a brand new free messaging service.

North Wales Community Alert has been funded as part of the Home Office Safer Streets Fund and North Wales Police are the first force in Wales to launch the alert system.

The system is currently used by several other police forces in other parts of the UK and has seen positive results and greater engagement with communities. It will allow residents the chance to access up to date information about crime, engagement events, appeals, prevention advice and general policing activity in a certain area.

The system also includes a messaging service that allows users to put forward what matters to them.

Carl Foulkes, Chief Constable, said: “We are delighted to launch North Wales Community Alert which will form a key part of our Local Policing. It is a free messaging service for people who live and work in North Wales to help our communities to stay informed and up to date with news, alerts, appeals, engagement events and general policing activities from your local police teams.

“What makes North Wales Community Alert so useful is that individuals can choose what information they would like to receive from us and how they would like to receive it whether by email, text or voice message - so they don't even need an internet connection - the choice is in their hands.

“North Wales Community Alert isn’t just a broadcast channel, where it is just us telling you. It is a two-way messaging system so that we have an additional route to listen to what our communities have to say.”

Andy Dunbobbin, Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “North Wales Community Alert will give our communities a great opportunity to provide feedback to their local neighbourhood police team on the issues that matter most to them, helping us to work together to make North Wales the safest place in the UK.

“Local Police officers will be raising awareness of the scheme and I encourage residents, businesses and community groups to sign up to the system.

“Please take some time to register with North Wales Community Alert, it is quick, simple and completely free.”

Register by visiting www.NorthWalesCommunityAlert.co.uk