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The directory of community and business organisations in Broadstone Dorset

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Broadstone Neighbourhood Watch

Broadstone Neighbourhood Watch was formed in 1987 and from a small beginning has grown steadily to its present size of 2,800 dwellings and is still gaining members.

The aims of the Watch are to promote and sustain an interest in the prevention of crime against persons and property which is achieved by the closest possible liaison and co-operation between the police, the committee and individual participants.

Membership is open to all dwellings within the Broadstone postal district (and certain adjacent streets) upon payment of a small donation – currently a minimum of 50p per annum. From May 2007, donations will be a minimum of £1 per annum.

The Watch is divided into groups, each with its own leader called a Contact who in turn reports to a Co-ordinator who deals with several Contacts. Currently the Watch has 25 Co-ordinators and 225 Contacts. It is run by a Committee consisting of the officers and 8 Co-ordinators elected annually. The Committee meets at Gravel Hill Police Station every three months.

We hold a register of all dwelling addresses in the watch, copies of which are held by our Membership & Development Officer Jeff Davies and Community Beat Officer PC 1880 Steve Hawke. When a new group is formed we arrange an inaugural meeting with the future participants, the Membership & Development Officer and Community Beat Officer giving every new member details of our scheme, how it is set up, who to contact, how to get the best from and the best way of passing information to their Community Beat Officer. Every dwelling is presented with a 'Starter Pack' containing Window Stickers and leaflets on all manner of personal and property security. All members have the phone numbers and e-mail of the Community Beat Officer, and Membership & Development Officer so that they can get in touch and get advice, or pass on information at any time. Many Contacts are listed on the 'Ringmaster System' which assists in the rapid spread of urgent messages from the police to all members either by phone or e-mail and has proven to be a very effective means of disseminating and gathering information on current criminal activity.

We produce a monthly Newsletter providing a breakdown of crimes in the area with comment, information and advice. This is delivered to every participating dwelling (or can be sent on-line), and we find that this helps people feel more involved and responsible to work with and for each other.

Broadstone Neighbourhood Watch holds a surgery in the Broadstone Library from 10 am to 12 noon on the last Saturday of every month except December. It is manned by officers of the Watch and a Police Officer who are able to help the public with any queries regarding Watch Schemes in their area, and it has proved very popular with the public who would not go to a Police Station, but talk to a Police Officer in the more relaxed atmosphere of the library. We find through advertising the surgery in the local press that not only our own local residents call in with information, but people from outlying areas also pay us a visit and request information regarding Watch Schemes in their area. With the information from us they are able to proceed and either join an existing group or start up a new Neighbourhood Watch.

The Watch considers that security of property is high on everyone’s list and hold a number of Time Switches that members can rent for a small fee to place in their property when absent, thus maintaining the impression of occupation.

If you are interested in joining our scheme, or require further information about Neighbourhood Watch please do not hesitate to contact our Membership & Development Officer Jeff Davies – T: 01202 603024 E: jgowerd@btinternet.com

Our Community Beat Officer PC Steve Hawke can be contacted on T: 01202 222222 or E: stephen.hawke@dorset.pnn.police.uk

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