HAMPSHIRE residents can now keep up with what police are doing in their communities after the force launched their own podcasts, aptly named Plodcasts.

The Plodcasts - which can be downloaded to a computer or MP3 player and listened to on demand - aim to keep residents up to date with police activities as well as offer advice to communities.

Chief Insp Tim Ashman, who leads Hampshire Constabulary's Safer Neighbourhoods co-ordination team, said: "The aims of Safer Neighbourhoods go much further than simply knowing who is on your local team.

"We have to provide feedback to you on what those teams, and their colleagues in other parts of the force, are doing to address your issues, creating neighbourhoods that are safe, and feel safe.

"The Plodcast gives us a new way of keeping the communities informed about our work, and will help us reach those people who prefer to get their news and information electronically, rather than through more traditional methods."

The first Plodcast features information on the new Smartwater zone set up in Portsmouth.

To listen to or download the Plodcast, visit the Hampshire police website.

Listeners can also suggest topics for future Plodcasts by following the link of the Plodcast page.