CONTROVERSY over police attempts to use Morecambe community coffers to buy themselves a mobile phone invoked a wave of sympathy from local readers. Cash donations and offers of help came flooding in after the Citizen revealed how a police application for a grant from the Morecambe Neighbourhood Council was turned down. Insp Graham Richardson of Morecambe police described the response as extremely gratifying although there is some uncertainty over whether they will be able to accept the donations.

Morecambe Neighbourhood Council were inviting people to apply for small grants after they received a cash windfall of £1,000 from their building society. They said they wanted to share the money with the rest of the community.

But they axed an application from the police because they felt police equipment should be funded through more appropriate channels.

Since the Citizen revealed the story last week, offers of help from concerned Morecambe folk started pouring in to Morecambe police station.

They were contacted by one woman who said they were welcome to use her husband's mobile phone while he was abroad.

There were several donations and a substantial invitation pledging the police numerous pieces of equipment.

Insp Graham Richardson said: "I am very pleased the public are keen to support us in our quest to prevent crime and target criminals."

A decision on whether the police can accept the donations rests with Supt Mike ffelan, Divisional Commander of the Northern Police Division, or even further up the police echelons.

Bobbies on the beat have started using mobile phones as a security measure to combat the rising numbers of people illegally scanning police transmissions.

But the digital phones are expected to act only as a temporary stop-gap until the Lancashire Constabulary pilot a new all in one radio, mobile phone and pager. The new device, which will scramble attempts to illegally listen in on the police, is expected to be available in the next 12 months.

Chief Insp David Thornton said the revolutionary device, will help them keep one step ahead of the criminal fraternity.

He told the Citizen: "They will include a jamming device to stop people scanning transmissions. We have to be one jump ahead of the criminals all the time."

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