A FACEBOOK group that has been alerting people to crime and suspicious behaviour could be repeated in other areas, its creator says.

More than 1,100 people belong to the BH6-CAT (crime alert tool) group in Southbourne.

Members use it to quickly share information about suspicious activity, often including photos, CCTV footage or pictures from video doorbells.

The group was used to draw attention to a series of thefts or attempted thefts of lead from roofs, as well as a spate of sightings of people trying car doors in the early hours.

Other reports have included an attempted mugging, youngsters breaking off car aerials or scratching paintwork with keys, and people rummaging through gardens to scavenge for scrap metal.

There have been repeated warnings about ‘Nottingham knockers’ – people who come to the door claiming to be working their way back from disadvantage or prison and seeking money.

Businessman Gordon Fong started the group as an offshoot of Southbourne’s main SoBo Facebook group, which has more than 6,300 members. He is keen for other areas to set up their own equivalents.

“We were more aware of a lot of burglaries and especially lead theft,” he said.

“People were posting about it on the Southbourne group but because of the noise there, it was getting lost.”

He added: “People have felt that crime has been on the increase. Looking at the statistics produced by the police, this is sadly true and not just perception any more.

"Because of the strong community feeling, people want to help to combat this and to be more aware.”

The video doorbell system Ring has offered members of the group a £40 discount and Mr Fong hopes to offer other promotions and benefits.

He said it had built on the success of the SoBo group, which had helped bring people together in the community.

The SoBo group’s successes have included getting help to people living on steep roads in the cold weather. Among the volunteers was James Fowler, owner of the Larder House restaurant, who cleared paths and gave lifts in his 4x4 during the snow.

Mr Fong said he was happy to advise other people about how to set up similar initiatives.

“I’m no expert but if they want to have a coffee I can just tell them what we’ve done if it helps,” he said.