Recorded night-time video chats with the police will be introduced in Congleton.

Victims of crime in Cheshire and people feeling vulnerable will be able to talk to the police control room via live video link thanks to the rollout of new technology.

The county's Police and Crime Commissioner John Dwyer has secured £300,000 from the Home Office's Safety of Women at Night (SWaN) Fund, and part will be used to pay for the new system.

Designed to provide reassurance to people in Cheshire after a night out, or when walking on the streets after dark, the new system will enable control room operators to send a secure link to someone's smartphone so they can be put in instant video contact.

In cases such as sexual assaults, if a victim calls the police immediately after an incident, the call handler can start recording a first account from the victim, enabling evidence collection at a very early stage, which may help to identify an offender if they are still in the area.

Welcoming the news, Mr Dwyer said: "I am absolutely delighted that I've secured this funding.

"It will go a long way in helping to provide reassurance, especially at night, when people may have an increased feeling of vulnerability.

"In my police and crime plan I commit to making our streets safer for everyone and especially for women and girls.

"We know from conversations and recent surveys that at times they do not feel safe. This funding success will enable more people in Cheshire to feel safer."

He added: "This technology will have huge benefits when it comes to many crimes and not just those that affect women and girls."

Mark Roberts, Chief Constable of Cheshire Constabulary, said: "I am so delighted the Commissioner has secured this funding.

"It will make a real difference to our communities."

Cheshire East Women's Equality Party will be approached for comment.

It is not known whether male or female officers will be on the other end of the video calls, or how long police will keep the recording for.

The exact logistics of the video calling software will be announced in due course.

Elsewhere in local crime, the figures for crime in Congleton East and West for October 2021 will be released next week.

The police have invested £170,000 in invisible DNA technology, to help bring down rates of burglary.

There were three incidents of burglary in Congleton West for September 2021, and two in Congleton East.

See also: New Congleton Local Policing Unit will bring 'visible presence' and make town safer.

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