POOLE Harbour Watch members will be easily-spotted after they received 50 high-viz vests.

A-Plan Marine Insurers of Parkstone handed over the vests to Peter Burt, president of the group.

Chairman David Butcher said the bright yellow vests were simply a way of identifying members of Harbour Watch as they worked in and around Poole Harbour.

He said he had once been asked if they were a vigilante group. He had replied, “No, it’s just Neighbourhood Watch on the water.”

Poole Harbour Watch was started about 15 years ago by then marine police office officer Don Roper and Peter Burt, in an attempt to reduce marine crime.

“This is still its prime objective and there is now a network in existence for the passing of information and warning notices,” said David.

He thanked A-Plan Marine Insurance for their support and said he hoped the high visual impact of the vests would help with the deterrent effect of the Harbour Watch.

Members carry out patrols, by day and night, in conjunction with individual boat owners and members of yacht clubs within the harbour. Patrols are conducted randomly and organised at short notice.

At an event held at North Haven Yacht Club, boat owners were helped to mark up equipment with Selecta DNA, kits supplied by LV Streetwise and developed with the help of Dorset Marine Police.

The paint is difficult to remove and makes it easy to identify items that may have been stolen from boats in the harbour.

Yvonne Hall from A-Plan Marine Insurance was on hand to provide advice and quotations.