The free police messaging service will be available in Calne and Devizes from next week as the last five areas launch the scheme.

Residents will be able to sign up to Swindon and Wiltshire Community Messaging which sends out free messages, by email, text or voicemail, about police and crime matters in their area.

Messages cover everything from community policing news and events to appeals for information and crime prevention advice.

Calne’s Neighbourhood Police Team will be holding a launch event on Wednesday February 4 opposite Sainsbury’s in Phelps Parade between 9:30am and 11:30am while Devizes will see similar events between midday and 2pm at The Brittox and The Market Place on Thursday.

Police and Crime Commissioner Angus Macpherson commissioned the new initiative.

He said: “Following this week the whole of Wiltshire will be covered by Swindon and Wiltshire Community Messaging, bringing the public into contact with the police and Neighbourhood Watch.

“I now look forward to working with other partners in Wiltshire and Swindon to extend the excellent services provided by Wiltshire Police and to build on the title ‘Community’ Messaging.”

Wiltshire Police, PCC Angus Macpherson and Wiltshire & Swindon Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) Association are working together on launching this new two way communication tool.

Joining Wiltshire and Swindon Community Messaging is quick, simple and free with no contracts, costs or obligations for anyone who signs up.

Wiltshire Police Chief Constable Pat Geenty said: “Community Messaging enables us to reach out to all the people that may not use social media and other channels. It provides the public with messages in a format that suits them and keeps them up to date with police matters in their local area.”

To join Wiltshire and Swindon Community Messaging or to find out more visit www.wiltsmessaging.co.uk

Wiltshire and Swindon Community Messaging will NOT be monitored 24 hours a day. People should always call 999 in an emergency or 101 in a non-emergency.