DOG walkers are being urged to become the extra eyes and ears of the police in an effort to spot suspicious and antisocial behaviour.

Essex Police and Tendring Council have joined together to launch the scheme called Dog Watch in the district.

It calls on dog walkers to take the lead and call in any suspicious behaviour witnessed while exercising their pets on routes around Tendring.

Lynda McWilliams, chairman of Tendring Community Safety Partnership, said: “The more information we can collect from as many sources as possible, the better.

“As a dog owner myself I think this is a great new idea and I am sure many will want to sign up and get involved in a worthwhile community initiative.”

Launch events at in Clacton, Walton and Hollandon- Sea will give potential volunteers more information about the scheme and provide a reflective sleeve to identify them as a Dog Watch volunteer.

With the introduction of law enforcing microchipping for all dogs next year, each event will also host a free microchipping service. Dog Watch teams can be visited in Clacton from 11am-3pm at the Airshow on Thursday, August 27 and Friday, August 28, and at the Pier on Wednesday, October 7.

The teams will also be available in Walton at the Naze Tower, Old Hall Lane, on Wednesday, September 2 and at the Holland Haven Country Park on Wednesday, September 16, also from 11am-3pm.

Information will be available from several dog organisations and charities, and all four-legged friends will be welcome on any of the days.

If you are interested in joining Dog Watch, please contact Paul Teague, Essex Watch Liaison Officer, on 101, extension 440222.