POLICE are using technology to tell people about crime in their area.

The scheme, which was launched yesterday, means daily e-mail bulletins will be sent to members of Neighbourhood Watch schemes across the town, telling them about incidents of crime and anti-social behaviour in the previous 24 hours.

Officers hope the initiative will encourage residents to contact them quickly with information and be on the lookout for suspicious behaviour.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Reddick, of Darlington police, said: "In the past we have always put out a quarterly newsletter to Neighbourhood Watch members.

"They were pretty ineffective in just giving the history of crime in the last three months. It wasn't allowing people to react or do anything to help.

"I think the e-mail will bring Neighbourhood Watch right up to modern times and allow people to really be the eyes and ears on the street."

Neighbourhood Watch liaison officer Jacqui Snowball said 130 residents had signed up to the scheme.

"We are still doing an audit of all our members in the town and expect that number to double when we have finished," she said.

"On a daily basis we'll send out details of what crime has been reported in the past 24 hours. We'll pick out what is of prominence."

The e-mail bulletin will not replace the Crime Ring service - where police contact Neighbourhood Watch leaders by phone to tell them about specific incidents.

To set up a Neighbourhood Watch in your area, or to receive the bulletin, call Ms Snowball on (01325) 346832.