THE ASSOCIATION OF DORSET WATCHES

The Association of Dorset Watches (ADW) is the Lead Association for the Neighbourhood Watch movement in the Dorset Police area. It has an overarching role bringing together all volunteer run, land based, non-commercial Watches in Dorset.

ADW has a signed ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ with the national Neighbourhood Watch Network (NWN) that offers advice and training to all Home and Neighbourhood Watches in England and Wales that are represented and supported by ADW across Dorset.
Our ‘Partnership Agreement’ between ADW and Dorset Police makes a commitment of support from both sides at all levels. ADW endeavours to build trust between the public and the Police and encourages intelligence sharing and with timely, responsible reporting. ADW interfaces with other force area Watch Associations across England and Wales to share best practice for crime reduction.
ADW also works with other services, agencies and organisations throughout Dorset to raise public awareness of help and assistance available throughout the county. Neighbourly behaviour is encouraged and best practice is promoted for personal safety and property security. ADW supports national, regional and local initiatives with the objective to reduce threat, risk, harm and the fear of crime.

Contacts

If you would like more details about your local Neighbourhood Watch, one of our Watch advisors will be able offer some help. Please email ADW
If there isn't an active Watch in your area and you'd like to start one, please email ADW

We are always looking for new volunteers for various activities so if you are able to help in any way please contact us via any of the methods shown above.

Benefits

What are the benefits of joining a Neighbourhood Watch?

Neighbourhood Watch aims to:

  • Prevent and reduce crime in our neighbourhoods
  • Provide reassurance to people in our communities, especially the more vulnerable
  • Provide up to date crime prevention advice
  • Encourage community members to be alert and watchful
  • Pass timely information from the police to the community (and vice versa) to help prevent and detect crime

The scheme aims to benefit both individuals and communities alike, by offering:

  • Home insurance discounts may be available for members
  • Specialist crime reduction advice to improve home security
  • Regular communication and crime alerts from your local police
  • The reduced likelihood of falling victim to crime
  • Vigilant neighbours concerned with community safety
  • Community issues addressed by a collective voice

Insurance

Public Liability insurance is available to members to cover Neighbourhood Watch events and activities. It has a Limit of Indemnity of £10,000,000 per claim plus legal costs, is in place to provide relevant cover for all recognised schemes and Neighbourhood Watch volunteers carrying out their roles across England and Wales.

The insurance is extended to include cover for Products Liability up to £10,000,000 a year, and Employer’s Liability. This cover is paid for by Neighbourhood Watch Network. Please visit OurWatch for more details as well as full terms and conditions.

Promote Your Watch

The Association of Dorset Watches has a number of promotional items available for the leaders of local watches within the region to use at events. These include tear drop flags and pull-up banners. As well as these, we are also offering 'Beware Of Scams' stickers and note pads both of which can be given away, hopefully these will be particularly useful by the phones or computers of the elderly and vulnerable as a constant reminder to be cautious.