About the St Leonards and St Ives Parish Home Watch
The issues of crime prevention and security are of prime importance to Home Watch. Our key objectives, in partnership with the Dorset Police; are to continuously try to achieve a reduction in crime and anti-social behaviour; increase awareness of security; encourage neighbourliness and closer communities. Ideally we would like membership to Home Watch to include all of the residents within the parish and it is our aim to continuously work towards achieving this goal. We therefore need the help of existing members to tell their neighbour, or friend, about Home Watch. In return for the annual contribution of £2 (per household) the benefits of joining Home Watch are:
- Ringmaster police messages warning us of criminal activity in our area.
- Easy access of a local Co-ordinator, who normally lives close by, so that any problems can be quickly resolved and advice provided.
- Home Watch Newsletters are circulated four times a year, keeping members updated on a wide range of subjects. Existing members are also encouraged to provide any notable local news or advice that could be beneficial to our members.
- A list of local traders who have been nominated by members. This has proved to have many advantages and the trader is known and the work, or service, has already been satisfactorily provided to a member who wishes the trader to be known to us all.
- An invitation to the AGM, attended by guest speakers, who have the knowledge and experience on matters relating to safety
and security. - Many insurance companies provide a discount on premiums of household policies to approved Home Watch members.
Apart from these benefits, belonging to Home Watch also encourages us all to help one another and to be a good neighbour in times of need. This also includes maintaining a caring attitude to anything untoward and reporting it to the police. It is always wise to keep a watchful eye on properties when the owners are away.
Our motto is:
‘There is safety in numbers, and the more of us who work together the safer we will be.’
So if you live in our Parish and you are not already a member of Home Watch, please join us.