Wells police have installed suggestion boxes around the community so concerned locals can tip them off about crimes and antisocial behaviour.Eight boxes have been placed in shops, hotels and post offices in the town and its surrounding parishes as part of a pilot scheme to improve communication between officers and the public.

Wells police have installed suggestion boxes around the community so concerned locals can tip them off about crimes and antisocial behaviour.

Eight boxes have been placed in shops, hotels and post offices in the town and its surrounding parishes as part of a pilot scheme to improve communication between officers and the public.

They are accompanied by feedback forms which allow people to pass on specific details about crimes, vandalism, drug abuse or littering - without having to leave their name.

The information will be collected at least every two weeks and could be acted on by police or filtered into priority-setting meetings within the Wells Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) area.

SNT officers hope the new initiative will encourage more people to report problems and, if successful, the scheme could be introduced across the rest of Norfolk.

Sgt Andy Smith said: 'We are always looking to improve our lines of communication.

'We can collect responses whenever we are walking past so they can be assessed and the information can be put in the Norfolk Constabulary system and acted on if possible.

'People can tell us anything about criminal activity or anti-social behaviour they want us to be aware of, and it gives them the opportunity to do it anonymously if they don't feel comfortable divulging their identity.

'I would encourage everyone to make use of this facility and assist us in improving the quality of life for all who live in and visit our picturesque area.'

One box has been placed inside Wells Post Office, where customer Derek Arnold, 60, said: 'It is definitely a good idea, especially for older people. Things are not as bad as they used to be, but sometimes people may not feel they can talk to the police.'

The post office on Station Road already operates as a Police Information Point where people can report crimes or traffic accidents or hand in driving documents.

Postmistress Carol Starkey said: 'People do come in with lost property and we have had occasional crimes reported. This is just an extension of what we already offer the public.'

The boxes are situated at:

Wells Post Office

The Victoria Hotel in Holkham

Stiffkey Post Office

The National Trust information office in Morston

The Spar store in Blakeney

Howells Superstore in Binham

The Old Forge in Cley

Aston Stores in Walsingham