POLICE in Thamesmead are hoping to use the area's estate agents to help them pinpoint newcomers to the town.

The Safer Neighbourhoods policing team has already been working with Gallions Housing Association in a pilot scheme to visit new tenants.

During the visits, officers introduce themselves, provide mobile telephone numbers for the team and give newcomers information about the area's Community Safety Action Zone and initiatives and events in the neighbourhood.

By using estate agents and other housing providers, they hope to widen the scheme to include homeowners as well as tenants.

Inspector Richard Goodwin, who leads the Safer Neighbourhood team said: "When people move into a new area, they can sometimes feel a little vulnerable.

"A visit from police officers can make a new resident feel more settled.

"They will also be reassured that work is constantly being carried out to keep the area as safe as possible for them and their families."