Grant Shapps MP met with Police, the founder of the Online Watch Link (OWL) system and community co-ordinators at Hatfield Police Station where he discussed how OWL is revolutionising Neighbourhood Watch in Welwyn Hatfield and beyond.

The OWL system allows members of the public to log-in from home and view police updates and crime alerts. It provides a mechanism for local residents to report suspicious activity and links direct with the police and Neighbourhood Watch. 

“It’s like Neighbourhood Watch with a modern twist,” explains Grant.

The innovative online OWL system has been adopted by Hertfordshire Constabulary, as well as police forces in Staffordshire and North Wales, but the designer and founder of OWL is Gary Fenton, an enterprising Welwyn Hatfield resident from Woolmer Green.

Grant has been signed up to OWL for a while, but was invited for a first hand briefing on the way that the system is helping police fight crime by one of the system’s voluntary neighbourhood coordinators Vivian Harris.

Grant said: “This is a great way to make Welwyn Hatfield residents feel safer, and can really help raise community spirit. The OWL system is a convenient way for residents to stay united against crime and anti-social behaviour. Neighbours can be brought closer together through technology and can collectively become more vigilant about crime. It’s a very modern way to run Neighbourhood Watch.”

Grant praised Gary Fenton for creating the OWL system and the Herts Police for having the foresight to use the system.

To find out more about OWL or to register visit www.owl.co.uk and receive frequent updates on policing and crime in your area.

ENDS