Royal Mail staff are participating in a trial scheme to help police tackle low-level crime in rural areas. Over 130 postal workers in and around Winchester are involved in the pilot, run in partnership with Hampshire Constabulary and Neighbourhood Watch.
Under the initiative, postmen and women are encouraged to report suspicious activities they observe during their deliveries. Already, thefts and trespassing incidents have been identified. The scheme may be expanded if successful.
Tony Marsh, Royal Mail's director of security, highlighted the unique position of postal workers: 'Postmen and women collect and deliver mail six days a week and have almost unrivalled knowledge of the communities they serve.' He expressed pride in formalising the partnership to create safer communities.
Postman Tony Crouch, involved in the Mail Watch scheme, noted that the team receives police intelligence and has a dedicated phone number to report concerns. Since the pilot began, they have reported crimes including stealing and trespassing.
Chief Inspector Darius Hemmatpour, local police commander, emphasised the value of collaboration: 'By working together we can improve the flow of information across rural communities... enabling the police to have a greater insight into local issues whilst reducing crime.'
Margaret Filley, president of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Neighbourhood Watch Association, called the initiative a 'tremendous boost' to community safety, adding that working together helps reduce crime and opportunities for it.
