A new national organisation formed to develop a nautical neighbourhood watch and improve safety of Britain's 7500 miles of coastline and tidal waterways has visited the River Tyne as part of a nationwide tour for members of the public keen on boating, as well as official organisations.

Key emergency services along the River Tyne had pledged their support to Harbour Watch, which has been formed with the backing of seafaring organisations such as the RNLI, the Poole Marine Police and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

Chief executive of Harbour Watch Nick Davis and development manager Martin Smith visited the north east coast, including the River Tyne, where they met representatives from the emergency services.

Northumbria Police Chief Inspector Kevin Wellden said: "We have recently seen a rapid growth in the number of leisure craft using the Tyne, alongside an expansion of riverside economy.

"As a result, we welcome any assistance that helps reduce crime along its banks and promotes safety on its waters, and we look forward to working with Harbour Watch in the future."

Harbour Watch, with the aid of one of the largest databases in the world, will ensure that small boat owners can track the complete inventory and history of their vessel.

If the worst happens and the boat is stolen, the database will help the police find the rightful owners of the property. This will then lead to insurance companies being able to lower premiums due to increased recovery rates.

If a vessel is stolen all Harbour Watch members nationwide will be alerted via a series of email watch reports urging everyone to lookout for a stolen boat.

Mr Davis was delighted with the support shown by Northumbria Police.

He said: "We are really pleased that Northumbria Police can see the benefits we are bringing with Harbour Watch.

"The more people who are active on the water and acting as an extra pair of eyes and ears, the more crime will reduce and water safety will increase.

"Now that we have launched we can only go from strength to strength as our reputation for safety and security grows."

Harbour Watch can be contacted via their website at www.harbourwatch.org.uk or by contacting Mr Davis by email at nick@harbourwatch.org.uk or development manager Martin Smith on 07811122029.