POLICE officers are keeping an eye on vulnerable residents as winter sets in.

Cheshire Police has launched an initiative with Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, supported by the Met Office, to provide advice, guidance and support to those at risk from winter weather.

Assistant Chief Constable Janette McCormick said: “As part of the joint initiative, police officers and police community support officers have visited people most at risk of adverse weather conditions such as flooding or snow and ice.

“Officers have also identified members of our communities who may be vulnerable to being targeted by thieves and criminals because of their home circumstances.

“Everyone can feel isolated in their community, and in bad weather we can often feel alone, but there are particular members of our communities who are more vulnerable than most.

“It is this group of people we want to reach through this initiative to make sure they have the information at hand should they need help during the winter months.”

So far more than 950 people have been visited across Cheshire, with officers also handing out community safety packs containing useful information and details of who to contact should they need further support or help.

Anyone wishing to access this support or other community safety advice visit cheshire.police.gov.uk or e-mail communities@cheshire.pnn.police.uk.