Internet users in Cheshire can now get up-to-date information on police activity through social networking website Twitter.
Cheshire Constabulary has begun publishing its latest news and appeals through its Twitter account. Users can get the latest updates for their area, access CCTV footage of wanted criminals and read appeals for information on traffic collisions, missing people and crimes.
New media and e-communications manager Peter Caldwell said: "Adding Cheshire Constabulary's latest news and appeals to Twitter represents an exciting opportunity to reach a new audience.
"This is particularly important when we are appealing for witnesses to crimes or asking the public to provide us with information. We are able to reach a large number of people quicker than would otherwise have been possible.
"The news and appeals were already being published to our website but using Twitter gives us the opportunity to engage more with the public, including those who might not ordinarily visit our website."
But the Constabulary still wants members of the public to use more traditional methods when reporting crimes and responding to appeals.
They are advising members of the public to continue to dial 999 in an emergency and 0845 458 0000 for non-emergencies for crime or policing enquiries to ensure they get the best possible service 24 hours a day and that the information they provide is dealt with immediately.
Mr Caldwell added: "We are keen to build up a large Twitter following to make sure that, if we were faced with an emergency which required us to contact a large number of people very quickly, this channel would be available to us."
You can view Cheshire Constabulary's Twitter page without registering to the site and don't forget you can also follow alderleyedge.com on Twitter for all the latest local news as it happens.
