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WELCOME |
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The original Watch scheme was started in 1987 by a number of residents who were concerned about rising crime due to an increase in the residential population. Two years after the initial formation a re-organisation was carried out to make the scheme more efficient and effective, with the help of David Gough the Verwood Community Police Officer a management committee was formed from existing volunteers. A Treasurer was appointed and a fund was started to finance projects to help combat crime. The inaugural meeting was held on 6th March 1989 in the Verwood Memorial Hall. Three Legged Cross Home Watch was set up by Arthur Shadbolt in 1992 merging with Verwood in 1998. |
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Verwood & Three Legged Cross is organised into 15 sectors, each sector being serviced by a Coordinator who has the help of his Contacts. In the early years schemes such as posting street signs to warn criminals of our organisation were commenced and we now have a Publicity Officer who also endeavours to gain support from the media. The Watch has publicised itself (funds permitting) by attending the Carnivals and Rustic Fayres held in the town. The Watch lobbied hard for a Police Station in the town and in June 1991 a temporary station was opened in Vicarage Road, in premises found by Jackie Hock the Chairman at that time. |
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It would be another three years before the present Police Station was opened. Initially membership of the Watch was free and funded by voluntary donations, by 2005 it became apparent that this funding was insufficient to keep up with technological advances in crime prevention and maintain a good service to members. An annual subscription was introduced and although a small reduction in membership was at first encountered; this has since recovered to over 1400 households. Three or four Newsletters are circulated to members each year together with a copy of our annual updated ‘Member recommended tradesmen’s list’ some of whom allow discounts on their services. The Ringmaster service (see the Ringmaster heading on this site) gives details of local criminal activity. We also have security apparatus such as CCTV and Intruder Alarms for loan to members and can supply a number of other security devices at preferential cost (see the Members Offers page on this website). |
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A comprehensive marking kit is available for marking personal items such as bicycles, buggies, electrical goods etc. The Watch has a lot of dedicated members who work hard voluntarily to make the Watch an effective organisation. Communications with Police and other Crime Prevention bodies helps members to combat crime in our town. If you are interested in helping yourself and others to combat crime, why not find out more. Ask at the front desk of the Police Station for a contact name or number or post a message on the ‘Contact us’ page of this website. |
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What does it do? It aims to: v Keep members informed of current trends in crime and criminal activity. v Supply information on security measures and various methods to help prevent members becoming victims of crime and the fear of crime. v To encourage members to observe and report any suspicious activity, acts of violence or vandalism, thereby assisting the police to maintain a safe and crime free community. v Foster and, maintain a community spirit among neighbours, thereby gaining maximum support for the watch and its aims. v Most Insurance Companies will allow a 10% reduction in premiums for members of an active Neighbourhood Watch. Verwood police and available statistics confirm that Neighbourhood Watch has been instrumental in reducing and maintaining low levels of crime in the community. With our members help, this is a trend that we will strive to maintain. Who belongs? There are at present about 1400 households in membership looked after by 15 Coordinators assisted by contacts, (who distribute leaflets; newsletters etc., and pass on telephone messages received from the police of any criminal activity in the locality). So there is still plenty of scope to increase our membership and consequently, effectiveness. What does it cost? The minimum annual membership is £1 but donations in excess of this will enable the Watch to obtain more Crime Prevention equipment such as CCTV Systems, Intruder Alarms etc, which are then available on loan to Watch Members. How do you join? Do your bit by joining now, and help to ensure that Verwood & Three Legged Cross retains its ‘low crime status’. APATHY IS THE FRIEND OF THE CRIMINAL To join us forward your contact details on the ‘Contact Us’ page and you will receive
an application form from your local coordinator |
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