Bradford South is to be the pilot area for a free online scheme aimed at enhancing communication between the police and communities.

Online Watch Link, or OWL, helps police and partners to communicate with groups such as Neighbourhood Watch schemes or individual members of the public at the click of a button.

Chief Inspector Damien Miller, who is in charge of neighbourhood policing in Bradford South, said: “OWL will enable the Division to communicate pertinent messages and crime alerts to communities across the area. Messages will be specific to ward areas, ensuring that residents registered on the system receive timely information and advice.

“We chose the Bradford district to pilot this scheme as it already has one of the most established Neighbourhood Watch networks in the county with more than 32,000 households.

“OWL also allows users to become part of other existing schemes such as Neighbourhood Watch, Business Watch and Forecourt Watch.”

He said that by giving people the right knowledge at the right time, the force aims to increase pressure on offenders, and give communities a louder voice on crime issues.

A police spokesman insisted the website would not give criminals a helping hand – despite anyone being able to sign up for it.

“There is no vetting system and anyone can sign up,” he said. “It is a way for people to get information quicker about their local area. The stuff on there will be in the public domain anyway.

“If anything, it highlights the level of crime prevention and dialogue between police and communities in certain areas for any criminal logged on.

“People can sign up to it for things such as making sure they have the right crime prevention for their homes.”

The OWL system has already proved to be a success in other areas of the country, say police.

Chf Insp Miller said: “In Hertfordshire, Staffordshire and North Wales, 160,000 homes and businesses are now signed up. Some towns which have become involved have also witnessed a reduction in burglary. We aim to generate the same interest in Bradford.

“I would strongly encourage any members of the Bradford South communities and existing community groups to register with the system, in order to participate in the pilot.”

Bradford Council deputy leader councillor Imran Hussain, portfolio holder for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: “I think it is an excellent initiative that is broadening the communication between police and the ordinary public. I welcome it.”

People can log on to the website owl.co.uk/wyp to sign up to the initiative.