Neighbourhood watch groups increasingly conducted over social media in Dorset

Home Insurer, Together Mutual Insurance looked at how technology and lifestyle factors could impact on how we interact with our neighbours and discovered one in five homeowners from Dorset are using online groups to communicate through social media.

More widely, the survey also three in five Dorset residents have joined neighbourhood watch groups either on or offline.

The neighbourhood watch community movement was founded in America following the murder of Kitty Genovese where neighbours failed to take action and in Dorset, it appears that the neighbourhood spirit is thriving.

Two in five people from Dorset state they are on first name terms with everyone on their street and the overall majority of people from Dorset know at least some of their fellow residents. 

Findings also highlighted that those who connect with their neighbours by group chats in Dorset - such as WhatsApp or social media prefer to adopt this method because nearly half find it quicker to update the group at the same time and a quarter say it is easier to update everyone at once without having to meet face to face.

Topics discussed on the group chat, topics include getting community updates, discussing security issues, arranging community social events, recommending trades or services and evening social activities.

Jon Craven, CEO at Together Mutual Insurance, said: “It’s very pleasing to see communities are capitalising on modern technology to alert their fellow neighbours at an instant, should they have concerns.

"It’s often the case that we are told that neighbourhood watch groups are part of a bygone era, however moving them online is a great idea and will ensure this vital community activity continues to help protect our homes.”

Encouragingly, all respondents in Dorset state they care a lot about the area they live and its upkeep.