A "GROUNDBREAKING" 24-hour online service to help keep residents and business premises more secure has been launched by Ann Barnes, chair of the Kent Police Authority.

Mrs Barnes visited the Kent Police College in Maidstone to find out how residents and business owners can sign up to the non-profit web-based service, known as ‘Kent KeyLink’.

A statement issued by the authority said: "If an incident occurs on premises, the police will have immediate access to your nominated point of contact allowing access to a property or business so it can be secured.

"Details of preferred trade services can also be logged should emergency repairs need to be carried out. Registered details can also be shared with other emergency services helping to save valuable time.

"Kent Police is the first force to join up with the business community to launch such a service.

"Communities throughout the county will benefit as any profits made from registration fees will be ploughed back into crime-prevention initiatives, such as enhancing facilities in town centres and rural communities, and promoting safer socialising during the day and night."

Mrs Barnes who oversees policing around the county said: “This is about enhancing the services Kent Police provides to taxpayers and is yet another tool that will help. This new concept is groundbreaking and gives residents and business owners complete peace of mind. We do need to take some of the responsibility ourselves and it is up to the public to keep their details accurate.

”It’s in our interest to sign up and keep premises and homes safe. I think this is a wonderful idea and I will be the one of the first people to register my home and will make sure my husband who runs a business signs up too. It really does provide assurance to the person who owns the property, your nominated contact and the police. I really hope the public embraces this initiative.”

Kent's Chief Constable, Mike Fuller said: “This service allows Kent Police to quickly retrieve details on who to contact should an incident take place on your premises. Having this information so readily available will result in saving police officer time.

"The old manual system meant members of the public were not able to update existing listings originally registered with Kent Police. As a result the police would contact people who may have retired or moved away from the county.

"The online service now moves us a step forward into the 21st century and allows access to real time information.”

The website goes live on the 16 July. Registration fee is £25 plus VAT for businesses and £20 including VAT for household residents.

To find out more visit ww.kentkeylink.co.uk

or visit the Kent Police stand at the Kent County Show on July 13, 14, 15.