West Moors has a thriving Home Watch organisation which is available to residents within the area of the Police Community Beat Officer.

What is Homewatch?

Neighbourhood Watch/Home Watch is the best known and most effective way of keeping your home secure.  For most people, having a neighbour keeping an eye on their home is better than an alarm system.  Neighbour Watch helps to create a community spirit.

Neighbourhood Watch and Home Watch are exactly the same

~ just different names.

What are its objectives?

*    To organise and encourage the effective working and understanding of Home Watch by the community and maximise the number of residents in membership.

*    To liaise with the Dorset Police Constabulary

*    To promote all aspects of a community based crime prevention organisation in liaison with the police.

*    Assist in reducing the fear of crime and to improve the quality of life for all the community.

*    To encourage a community spirit so that every member can contribute towards the protection of their properties by mutual co-operation between themselves and the police.

Who can be Members of Home Watch?

Membership is open to all adult residents covered by the Police Community Beat Officer.

How is Home Watch managed?

By an Executive Committee consisting of 4 officers, currently:

 The Committee then has up to 8 further members. The current serving ones are:  Joyce & Allan Oakes; Ken Rumsey; Ken Newman; John Berg and Pam Long.

How is Home Watch Financed?

By an annual subscription of £1 per member within the group of households .   This amount is collected by some 75 co-ordinators/contacts spread around the village.   The subscriptions are handed to and receipted by the Treasurer and banked.   An audited Statement of Accounts is presented to members at the AGM.

Why does Home Watch need subscriptions?

To finance the costs of the printing and distribution of the quarterly newsletter and other sundry expenses such as those required in running Home Watch and by subscribing grants to worthy causes relating to crime prevention within our area and beyond if necessary.

What kind of information will the quarterly newsletter give me?

It will have the most recent report summaries from the Dorset Police on crime figures for West Moors and neighbouring areas; police security advice for property and for individuals.   Car security information; report from the District Council Security Co-ordinator.   Recommendations on security alarms and equipment, particularly for garden sheds, windows & doors.   Also details of communication safety for use of telephone, e-mail, postal and fax preference services to avoid receiving unwanted junk and scam messages.

How can I enrol in Home Watch?

By application providing they reside in West Moors.   On acceptance you will be issued with an information pack and upon payment of £1 subscription you will be given a membership card for the current year which acts as proof should insurance companies or other agencies offer discounts, etc.   You will the be assigned to a co-ordinator's group of members to receive further information.

How many houses are usually included in a co-ordinator group?

The number of homes in a scheme depends on the area. Usually up to 25 homes is recommended as the most manageable sized group. However, they may be larger or they might involve just half a dozen houses.  It depends on the area and what people living there want.

Does Home Watch operate under a Constitution?

Yes and it has done since its formation 13 years ago.

Who is the main West Moors Contact point for further information on Home Watch?

Mike Shine (Chairman) - 01202 892353.

To whom do I report any suspicious circumstances occurring in my vicinity?

The Police