The Association of Dorset Watches (ADW)
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.
ADW 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:
- 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