Why we have an 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 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.

Topical News

Neighbourhood Watch is assisting BT in its efforts to raise awareness about the switch to its digital home phone service. This is to help its customers understand the simple steps required to make the switch. Customers who identify as vulnerable or with additional needs should receive additional support. Please visit BT help. Those with a landline not provided by BT, should make contact with their supplier to understand what will be available to them in the future.

Dorset Alert is a two way community messaging system operated by Dorset Police, you can receive free information concerning crime, anti-social behaviour, witness appeals, crime prevention, community events and local good news. Everyone in the county is encouraged to sign up to the Dorset Alert system. Please visit Dorset Alert and a new browser tab will open.

Contact

Association of Dorset Watches

Email enquiries@adw.watch

Facebook Association of Dorset Watches

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

We are always looking for new volunteers for various activities so, if you are able to help in any way, please email ADW to establish contact with us.

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
The Ferndown Watch Community Office (located in the Barrington Centre) has available for sale a number of security products. Click here Ferndown Watch Community Office for a description or here for the latest printable pricelist.

ADW holds a small range of safety products listed below. Please contact ADW if you are interested in purchasing some at a reduced price.

GuardCam
Secure Ring Door Restrictor
Alarmed Padlock
Motion Sensor Alarm
Cycle Padlock Alarm
Cycle D Lock
Window Vibration Alarm
Panic Alarm
Number Plate Security Kit
Purse Chain

Insurance

Public Liability insurance is available to members of a registered Watch 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 and to download a certificate.

Promote Your Watch

The Association of Dorset Watches has a number of promotional items available for the leaders of local Watches within Dorset to use at events. These include feather 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 phones or computers as a constant reminder to be cautious. If you would like to borrow any items (available for collection only), please contact enquiries@adw.watch.

To establish a new Watch

To discover if there is a Watch in your area, go to OurWatch. If there isn't a Watch in your area and you would like to start one, please go to OurWatch. If you need some help or advice first, please email OurWatch. If you wish to make enquiries about your Watch, please email OurWatch.

For Community Speed Watch, please visit Dorset Road Safe and a new browser tab will open. Scroll down the screen and click on Community Speed Watch contact form. Complete the form and submit.

Stay Safe Advice

Stay Safe Booklet

Stay Safe guidance produced by The Association Of Dorset Watches in association with the National Neighbourhood Watch is available in this guide. The guide is in a pdf format and can be downloaded here Stay Safe Booklet. You can print those pages that might be of greater interest to you and keep them handy.