Tackling crime ... by email!

And all the signs are that is proving a big success in countering crime.

The system, thought to be a UK first, is free for anyone on line in Bexhill, rural Rother and Hastings to join to receive regular updates on local incidents as well as advice on crime prevention.

The Home Office, the Government Office of the South East and East Sussex County Council are monitoring results. Sussex Police say the scheme has assisted them by providing a large quantity of extra information from residents - and helping catch criminals!

And it has boosted crime prevention through making people more aware, and promoting community safety.

Mike Lewis, chairman of the pilot scheme, said: "I am absolutely delighted with the response so far - we now have over 3,500 homes on line with more joining every day.

"We also know that many members are passing on the information issued to friends and neighbours who are not on line.

"We have recently seen good examples of residents providing very useful information to Sussex Police about criminals and bogus callers.

"Our biggest single task is simply making local residents aware of the scheme and we I know we are still only just scratching the surface when we consider what the potential really is. I have been surprised and delighted by the large number of members who have kindly given their time recently to distributing leaflets promoting the scheme.

"We do lack sufficient funds to market the scheme properly and I would be interested in hearing from any local companies who might like to consider sponsoring it."

The scheme is supported by the Safer Hastings and Safer Rother Partnerships, Sussex Police and the Sussex Neighbourhood Watch Federation. All members' addresses remain confidential and attachments are not used.

Newcomers can join by emailing [email protected]