AN army of volunteers is preparing for a feared hike in Poole Harbour crime, which could be an unwelcome side effect of the 2012 Olympic sailing events.

Poole’s maritime version of the neighbourhood watch scheme has operated in the harbour’s waters for 15 years.

But with the Olympic Games fast approaching, organisers want more volunteers to step forward to help deter marine crime and anti-social behaviour.

Harbour Watch chairman David Butcher explained: “We want more volunteers to maintain the momentum of our success and to help deal with the increased level of waterborne activity which the Olympic sailing events based at Portland will bring to this coastline.”

It is feared thieves may target the influx of small boats expected to pass through Poole Harbour next summer.

Sounding a cautionary note, PC Tristan Oliver of Dorset Police’s marine section said: “With current restraints on public sector spending and the 2012 Olympics it is vital that we and the community continue to work together to help keep crime figures in Poole Harbour at their current low levels.”

The Harbour Watch scheme boasts more than 50 regular volunteers – from all the major yacht clubs and sailing organisations in the harbour. They regularly mount patrols on the water and on marinas to deter crime.

Mr Butcher said: “What began as a handful of volunteers concerned at marine crime in Poole Harbour has steadily grown over the years.

“As our numbers have grown and we have been able to increase the intensity of our activities, recorded crime has fallen steadily.”

At any one time Harbour Watch can have four RIBs patrolling the harbour, supplemented by shore side teams. These volunteers do not intervene in anything suspicious, but they are in direct radio contact with marine police units who can race to the scene within minutes.

PC Oliver said: “We value Poole Harbour watch highly as a community partner in tackling marine crime and anti-social behaviour.”

Poole Harbour Watch says it is now actively looking for extra shore-based volunteers.