AN event to encourage dog walkers to sign up to help police fight crime proved a howling success.The Dog Watch Carnival, which was held at Pets At Home in Fairlands Way and King George V Playing Fields, Stevenage saw over 130 people sign up to the Dog Wa

AN event to encourage dog walkers to sign up to help police fight crime proved a howling success.

The Dog Watch Carnival, which was held at Pets At Home in Fairlands Way and King George V Playing Fields, Stevenage saw over 130 people sign up to the Dog Watch initiative.

Members of the public flocked to the event and enjoyed a 16 class fun dog show, chatted to a police dog handler with a working police dog and were invited to try a 'have a go' dog agility course.

The initiative was launched in Stevenage in February and now has over 300 members.

Sergeant Ian Blundell from the Stevenage Neighbourhood Team said: "The Stevenage Dog Watch was the first of its kind to be launched in the county and I am pleased people are keen to become involved. Members are encouraged to report suspicious activity or environmental issues and they also receive crime prevention advice.

"Assistance from members of the public is key to helping us prevent and tackle crime. If you are not a dog owner there are many other ways to get involved in helping make Stevenage an even safer place.

"You could become a special constable, a volunteer, join or set up a Neighbourhood Watch scheme, attend a Neighbourhood Forum meeting where local priorities are set or simply ensure you report suspicious activity or incidents to police so we direct resources accordingly. If you report your issues we can act on them and I would urge everyone in Stevenage to do their bit."

The carnival was opened by Stevenage mayor Sue Myson. A special guest, TV star Jaye Griffiths who has been in The Bill, assisted in judging the dog classes.

The organiser of the day, Sarah Sheldrick, said: "I am delighted to be involved with Stevenage Dog Watch as it is a very worthwhile community initiative.

"I also run voluntarily three-legged rescue, which rehomes injured or abused dogs and organise other events to raise money for animal charities and any initiative which promotes responsible dog ownership is a very worthwhile cause.