mmg.com.au

Deniliquin police have stepped into the digital age by developing their own Facebook group.

The group will act as an online Neighbourhood Watch, according to group administrator and Deniliquin Police Chief Inspector Michael Tranby.

The Facebook group is for the entire Deniliquin Police Local Area Command (LAC), and is designed to engage with the community.

The mission statement of the group is ‘‘Police and the community working together to reduce violence, crime and fear’’.

Insp Tranby said the formation of the Facebook group is in line with the new NSW Government and NSW Police Force initiative, ‘Eyewatch’.

‘‘We used to have Neighbourhood Watch, but now we’ve created what we call Eyewatch,’’ he said.

‘‘It’s basically an electronic version of Neighbourhood Watch and we’re creating online Neighbourhood Watch precincts.

‘‘Social networks have become very popular, and we’re using it to provide information to the community.’’

Insp Tranby said police operations and safety warnings would be distributed via the Facebook group, but said it’s also a way for police to seek help.

‘‘We’ll use the group to seek assistance on crimes and it can be used in the search of missing people,’’ he said.

‘‘We also invite people to talk about emerging issues, which can be done in private sessions.’’

You can stay up-to-date on crime trends and issues in the region by clicking ‘like’ on the Deniliquin LAC Facebook group.

Crimes must not be reported on the website. To report a crime contact 000 or Deniliquin Police Station on 58812244.

The Deniliquin LAC Facebook group can be found by searching Deniliquin LAC in the page search section on your Facebook profile.

The Deniliquin LAC covers the local government areas of Deniliquin, Conargo, Hay, Murray, Berrigan, Balranald, Wakool and Jerilderie.