The Neighbourhood Watch of the Harbour.

Volunteers established the Scheme in September 1996 in an effort to tackle the increase in marine crime against a backdrop of diminishing police resources.

Poole Harbour Watch is run and managed by boat owners and clubs within the approaches and confines of Poole harbour and surrounding shoreline. Although it has no statuary authority It operates with the co-operation of the PHC and both marine and land based police. Our number one goal is in the deterrence of crime to boats and equipment regardless of size or value. Where possible, we act, also to improve the safety of those using the waters.

As much as we would like to think differently, we acknowledge that not everyone in the Harbour can be trusted. We have seen an increase of fuel thefts, instruments and smaller items such as fishing rods and reels. There has of course been thefts of engines and boats and serious damage as criminals have broken into vessels. One of the deterrent aims of PHW is to encourage every boat owner to mark their equipment so that it is easily identified. – (See security tips page).

Poole Harbour is an amazing place with something for everyone, its beauty and vast size means that you can easily find a place to be alone and quiet or be together with others enjoying a variety of sports. Poole Harbour Watch ‘borrowed’ the statement, “Working together for a safe harbour”, a simple but precise statement of what we are trying to achieve.