People living in west Wales are being encouraged to contact police using a new internet web site.

It is hoped the scheme, piloted in the Neath Port Talbot area, will be extended throughout the South Wales Police Force within three months.

The web pages are designed to improve public access to beat bobbies in Pontardawe, in the Swansea Valley.

PC Kevin Davies: interacting with the community

The site provides information and advice on issues such as burglary, domestic violence, homophobic incidents, rape and sexual assault, misuse of drugs and child abuse.

Community officer Kevin Davies, who coordinates the web pages, said it opens another avenue of communication.

He said: "It is a way for communities to contact us in confidence with information that can help us combat crime.

"The pages will be continually updated and not only supply information and advice but there will be direct contact points on issues such as neighbourhood watch and victim support.

"People will be able to know exactly what their community policeman is doing for them."

However PC Davies added the web pages would not take over from more traditional policing methods.

Access

He said: "We are still maintaining high visibility patrols.

"The web pages make us more accessible to the public - especially those who are housebound."

A number of other community-based organisations are using the web pages to provide information, including local AM Gwenda Thomas.

She said: "I feel it will support community initiatives. It's innovative and underlines the commitment of the police to work with various organisations that are important to community regeneration."

There are now plans for every community police officer to have an individual e-mail address so the public can make direct contact with them about their concerns.