WILTSHIRE Police and Wiltshire County Council have completed the roll-out of police and council information points to all libraries within the county.

The police and council information points are staffed by specially trained library staff who are able to handle items that have been found and take details of lost items.

Staff are also able to answer common police enquiries and where necessary they are able to help people use the library service's free internet terminals where access can be gained to the extensive web-based database www.askthe.police.uk.

This website holds a wealth of information on topics such as crime prevention and compliments Wiltshire Police's website (www.wiltshirepolice.co.uk) where more local information can be found, such as how to identify your local Neighbourhood Policing Team and their priorities.

Information on council services can also be accessed via the terminals through the Wiltshire County Council website www.wiltshire.gov.uk.

Whilst library staff will not be able to record crimes, there are freephones within all libraries that have direct access to the non-emergency police number 0845 408 7000.

This will provide people with the facility to report non-emergency crimes and resolve enquiries. Crimes can also be reported online.

Peter Cooper, head of contact management for Wiltshire Police said: "This is an innovative partnership, which is unique to Wiltshire, and marks an exciting time for Wiltshire Police and its customers. The force is committed to identifying new ways for customers to access our services and the police and council information points have proved to be very popular with our communities."

Mary Douglas, county council cabinet member for libraries, heritage and culture, said: "I am delighted that we are working with the police in this innovative partnership. It is an excellent way of giving people extra information in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. It is a natural extension of our library services and is about providing great services in our communities."

Due to the success of this area of the partnership work, this service will be rolled across all mobile libraries in the near future.