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The puppy with Inspector Stuart Manley

The force has set up a new scheme called Dog Watch and wants people out walking their dogs to be on the lookout for anything suspicious.

They've even picked a police dog puppy to be the "face" of the new campaign and want people in the West Midlands to choose a name for it.

The two-week old German Shepherd puppy is set to join the ranks and will undergo training to teach him how to maintain law and order.

The puppy is the face of Dog Watch, a scheme where dog owners are encouraged to consider the safety of themselves and their dogs, and report any criminal activity they may come across while out walking.

Dog Watch

Keeping an eye out for crime

Commenting on the launch of Dog Watch, Detective Chief Inspector Mark Griffiths, from Belgrave Road police station, said: "Dog Watch is a great opportunity for dog owners to assist the police by reporting crime, suspicious activity and anti-social behaviour. It is also a great opportunity for dog lovers and the police to prevent dog theft and animal cruelty and promote responsible dog ownership.

"Dog owners are often out and about in their neighbourhoods and from time to time they may well see suspicious behaviour taking place. We would like to invite dog owners to join the scheme and report any suspicious activity they may come across.

"The scheme is completely free and allows anyone with a dog to receive crime prevention messages. We ask that members pass these messages on to friends."

Walking the dogs in Sutton Park

Beginning with 'B'

The Dog Watch puppy was part of the 'B litter', born at the West Midland Police Dog Training Centre in Balsall Common. All puppies in this litter will be given names beginning with the letter 'B'.

Anyone who would like to suggest a name for the puppy beginning with 'B' or register to join Dog Watch should e-mail their contact details to:

dogwatch@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk or send them to Dog Watch, Belgrave Road police station, Belgrave Middleway, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B5 7BP.

Find out about your local Dog Watch

Dog Watch in your area

Belgrave Road's Dog Watch is open to dog owners living in Sparkbrook, Sparkhill, Acocks Green, Balsall Heath and parts of Tyseley, Moseley, Yardley, Edgbaston and Selly Park.

There are also Dog Watch schemes operating in Harborne, Walsall, Coventry and Wolverhampton. To find out if there is a Dog Watch scheme in your area contact the community partnership officer at your local police station on 0845 113 5000, extension 7821 6831.

A litter of puppies

Competition closing date

The closing date for the competition is midday on Friday 10 October. If more than one person suggests the same winning name then a winner will be chosen at random. The winner will be invited along to meet and have their photograph taken with the dog at Balsall Common on Friday 17 October 2008.