FOLLOWING the successful launch of a police initiative to encourage dog walkers to help fight crime, the first annual Dog Watch carnival will be held tomorrow (Saturday). Since the launch of Dog Watch in Stevenage in February this year, more than 200 peop

FOLLOWING the successful launch of a police initiative to encourage dog walkers to help fight crime, the first annual Dog Watch carnival will be held tomorrow (Saturday).

Since the launch of Dog Watch in Stevenage in February this year, more than 200 people have signed up to the scheme.

Dog Watch encourages members to report suspicious incidents to the police, and incidents of flytipping and abandoned cars to the council.

Sergeant Ian Blundell, from the Stevenage Neighbourhood Team, said: "We are extremely pleased with the numbers of people who have already signed up to Dog Watch and are making a difference in our communities.

"Watch schemes are about members of the public taking an active interest in their environment and wanting to collectively make it a safer place to be.

"I would encourage dog walkers not already signed up to the scheme to come along to the carnival, enjoy the day and find out more about how they can tackle crime and environmental issues in our communities."

The carnival will take place at Pets at Home on Fairlands Way and King George V Playing Fields in Stevenage.

At the event there will be:

* A rabbit and rodent show between 10am and 11.30am

* A dog show between 1pm and 3pm

* Dog agility demonstrations

* Charity stalls

* Refreshments

* The chance to find out more about the work of police dogs by speaking with a dog handler at the event

Jaye Griffiths, who plays DI Sally Johnson in ITV's The Bill, will also be at the event.

There will also be a raffle with a free grooming session up for grabs.