Avon and Somerset Police are launching a new pilot scheme in West Somerset that will see both two and four-legged volunteers stepping forward to help.

Thought to be the first of its kind in the country, “Rural Community Watch” launched in March, and will see volunteers proactively patrolling their communities on horseback, providing local police feedback on community issues and any suspicious activity.

Like Neighbourhood Watch, the scheme aims to encourage communities to be proactively involved in identifying local issues, taking ownership of their neighbourhoods and open spaces and promoting a sense of community reassurance in remote and rural areas.

The volunteers will also help communicate safety and crime reduction advice from police and partner agencies, such as DEFRA and Trading Standards, within their communities.

PC Nick Wood from Dulverton Police Station, who has been key in setting up the scheme, said: “I am delighted we are able to pilot the new scheme in West Somerset.

“Being the force’s largest rural area, with some remote communities, I am hoping the scheme will be of benefit to both the police and the public.

“We have 30 volunteers taking part in the pilot across Exmoor and if it is successful, we will be rolling the scheme out further afield.

“The volunteers will be given induction training which will look at their role, key goals, crime trends and how to effectively report crime including how to become a “good witness”.

“This helps the participants identify the information and intelligence that police would ideally be looking for.

“The training also goes through key contacts, and gives background information about anti-social behaviour and how to identify potentially vulnerable individuals and groups.

“The volunteers will undertake “an eyes and ears” function rather than a policing role. They will not be engaging in any confrontational situations and don’t have any policing powers but will provide a vital link between local communities and police.”

Chief Superintendent Daimon Tilley, District Commander for Somerset West, said: “Neighbourhood Watch has been successfully running for a considerable period of time with proven results.

“The public are our eyes and ears. Whilst we use a variety of methods to prevent and detect crime, good old fashioned community intelligence still remains one of the most effective weapons we have in targeting criminals, anti-social behaviour and other issues that impact negatively on our neighbourhoods.

“We hope this scheme will encourage rural communities to come together and support us and themselves in preventing and detecting crime.”

If you are interested in joining the scheme, or would like more information call PC Nick Wood on the new 101 number.