Parkstone Yacht Club, in partnership with Poole Harbour Commissioners and Dorset Marine Police, is launching Moor Mesh, a smart surveillance system designed to protect vessels in Poole Harbour following a spate of thefts last year.
George McInnes, cruising fleet class captain, said: “We couldn’t sit idly by and rely solely on the stretched resources of the local police team or the volunteers of Harbour Watch.
“We assembled a project team to find a solution that would not only deter crime but also provide the Harbour Commissioners and Marine Police with the live data needed to catch perpetrators.”
Parkstone Yacht Club Wych Moorings. (Image: Parkstone Yacht Club)
Unlike traditional security tools, Moor Mesh enables real-time alerts and coordinated action.
Jon Knight, project lead, said: “We wanted a system that monitored a whole fleet of boats as a single entity.
“By using selected 4G cameras connected to our own services, we’ve created a community command centre.
“If a boat is broken into, the system informs the owner and the Harbour Master instantly.”
This live, location-based AI means authorities can now respond immediately, with both evidence gathering and suspect interception.
Moor Mesh pinpoints the time and coordinates of an incident, enabling the Harbour Master and Dorset Police to take action on the water or at likely landing points.
It is part of a broader security strategy at the club.
It is also rolling out DNA marking and electronic tagging for property.
Dorset Police hosted a SelectaDNA marking event at Parkstone Yacht Club on March 12.
Members can have their property registered on the national police database.
The system has been designed for wider adoption, with plans in place to extend it to neighbouring clubs including Poole Yacht Club, Lilliput Sailing Club, and Salterns Marina.
Mr McInnes said: “The power of this project comes through the wider community.
“By using an integrated, affordable, and effective solution, we are sending a clear message: Poole Harbour is a closed door for boat crime.”