Dog Watch approaches 10,000 members

Hampshire's Dog Watch scheme where the Police ask dog walkers to be the eyes and ears which help prevent crime, and spot unusual activity and items, now has 8,500 members. It was originally launched in the New Forest, and after a slight lull through Covid is now going from strength to strength. 

Work is now underway to measure the effectiveness of the scheme, and callers reporting an issue are being asked to mention if they're a member of Dog Watch when they call. 

"We hope going forward that Dog Watch helps to build a community spirit," says Hampshire police. "Dog walkers can contribute towards the protection of their neighbourhood, get involved with community concerns and provide useful information that helps make their local area a safer place to live. While also affording local policing teams an opportunity to educate dog owners on issues such as livestock worrying and offer targeted crime prevention advice with the support of local partners.”

A recent article on Dog Watch was published in the Rural Times - you can read it here: Dog Watch article.

If you are interested in joining Dog Watch, or want to find out more p[lease visit: www.hampshirealert.co.uk