Steve Brine has back plans that will see postmen and women in Winchester playing a vital role as the eyes and ears of their community.
A new pilot initiative has been launched in Winchester, in conjunction with Neighbourhood Watch and Hampshire Constabulary, which will give more than 130 postmen and women in the area the opportunity to report any suspicious incidents or low-level crime by calling 101 and then quoting a dedicated incident number.
Alternatively, they can report incidents to Neighbourhood Watch volunteers, who will then liaise with police if necessary.
Tony Marsh, director of Security, Royal Mail said: "Royal Mail postmen and women collect and deliver mail six days a week and have almost unrivalled knowledge of the communities they serve. We are proud to be formalising our working relationship with Hampshire Constabulary and Neighbourhood Watch through the launch of this important initiative, and look forward to playing our part in creating a safer community."
Chief Inspector Darius Hemmatpour, District Commander for Winchester said: "Mail Watch is an innovative and exciting opportunity where the Police, Neighbourhood Watch and Royal Mail are working together to ensure our communities continue to feel safe, valued and supported. By sharing information across all 3 organisations it will allow postmen and women to report any suspicious activity they may come across during their daily rounds whilst at the same time receiving such information from the Police and Neighbourhood Watch.
"For many years the Police have enjoyed a great working partnership with Neighbourhood Watch so it makes perfect sense to join this up with Royal Mail where often the local postie has the ear of the community.
"By working together we can improve the flow of information across rural communities that will enhance our local intelligence picture, enabling the police to have a greater insight into local issues whilst reducing crime and targeting those who prey on the vulnerable. "
Tony Crouch, a local postman with a rural round in the Winchester area said: "We take intelligence from the police and have a phone number to call if we see anything suspicious. Since the pilot started trialling, the team has reported crimes of stealing and trespassing."
Steve Brine MP added: "This just makes perfect sense and is an initiative you just know will add value. I think Royal Mail customers will be really pleased to see such a positive idea taking shape from their trusted post men and women."
Last year, Royal Mail joined forces with the charity Missing People to distribute 'high risk' alerts about vulnerable missing children and adults to its 124,000 postmen and women. Alerts are issued via handheld scanners used by postmen and women to track and sign for deliveries.
Pictured; Steve Brine joins Winchester posties every Christmas to hand out mince pies, thanking them for their hard work