Dorset Police news site

This week we are shining a light on the year-round efforts of local neighbourhood policing teams to work with partners to tackle anti-social behaviour.

Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Awareness Week will see agencies come together to highlight their combined efforts to tackle issues that are affecting local communities and the innovative approaches they are taking to address them.

Dorset Police recognises that ASB is not something that can be solved by policing alone and a joined approach is the key to taking action that makes a real difference to the lives of residents.

Key to tackling ASB in local communities has been hotspot patrols, which have been proven to reduce crime in key areas.

Local neighbourhood policing teams (NPTs) are also being boosted with an additional 40 officers following the 12 months of work and preparation by Dorset Police to provide an uplift for our communities, now supported by the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee.

This will strengthen their efforts to work with partners to focus on issues that really matter to communities.

In Charminster a problem-solving approach has seen local officers work with BCP Council to identify solutions to tackle ASB in the High Street and surrounding area following concerns raised by residents.

As well as working with Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS) officers to provide a visible presence, the NPT has worked with the local authority to look at design and environmental factors in the vicinity as well as teaming up with police cadets to carry out a litter pick in the area and offering regular community contact points for residents to come and discuss any concerns.

Elsewhere in the county the NPT in Weymouth has been recognised for its partnership work around the Safer Streets scheme, which sees agencies come together for regular meetings to identify those causing issues in the town and working together to address and change their behaviour.

Chief Superintendent Julie Howe, Dorset Police’s neighbourhood policing lead, said: “We recognise that ASB is not a minor issue and has a very real and detrimental impact on residents’ day-to-day lives.

“Throughout the year we are relentlessly working to engage with our communities, identify issues that they are facing and work with our partners to find solutions.

“These can sometimes be complex issues that take time to resolve, but we are committed to working with our partner agencies to dealing with these matters. This can range from addressing environmental issues or securing court orders to joint proactive days of action.

“We want to send a message to our communities that we are listening and urge members of the public to report any concerns around ASB or speak to their local officers. If we are aware of the issue, we can work with our partners to address it.”

Cllr Kieron Wilson, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Regulatory Service at BCP Council, said: “Anti-social behaviour can have a significant impact on people’s quality of life, which is why partnership working is so important.

"Our CSAS officers carry out more than 13,000 hours of targeted patrols every year. Alongside this, our Anti-Social Behaviour teams work closely with Dorset Police and other partners, taking enforcement action where needed and supporting victims to access advice and practical help when they are affected by persistent anti-social behaviour.

“While we have made positive progress, we know there is more to do. Listening to residents is key, which is why the Safer BCP Partnership is currently consulting on community safety priorities. I’d encourage everyone to take part in the consultation and help shape future action to keep our communities safe.”

Cllr Matt Bell, Dorset Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health, Prevention & Communities, said: “Anti-social behaviour can have a real impact on people’s day-to-day lives, from feeling unsafe in their neighbourhood to affecting their wellbeing.

“No single organisation can tackle these issues alone. Our Community Safety and Anti-Social Behaviour team works closely with Dorset Police and other partners every day to take a coordinated approach, making sure the right support and enforcement are in place.

“We focus on both prevention and action – from early help through our outreach teams to targeted work with those causing harm, alongside safeguarding for those affected."

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: "Since coming into office, Dorset residents have consistently told me that anti-social behaviour is one of their biggest concerns. ASB can have a significant impact on people's quality of life and how safe they feel in their communities.

"Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week is an opportunity to highlight the action being taken across Dorset to tackle these issues, support victims and encourage reporting. Through strong partnership working between my Office, Dorset Police, local authorities, housing providers and local communities, we are working together to make our neighbourhoods safer.

"Reports of anti-social behaviour are at their lowest level since 2008, however, I know that statistic is meaningless if ASB is happening outside your home, affecting your family or making you feel unsafe. That is why we must remain consistent and relentless in our efforts to prevent and tackle anti-social behaviour wherever it occurs.

"My Operation Relentless Community Fund is continuing to support community-led solutions, helping local organisations address the issues that matter most to residents and build stronger, safer communities. Together, we are sending a clear message that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated in Dorset."

To report a concern around ASB speak to a local officer, visit the Dorset Police website or call us on 101. If a crime is in progress, always dial 999.

You can also receive updates around any ongoing issues in your area as well as any upcoming community contact points where you can speak to members of your local Neighbourhood Policing Team by signing up to our Dorset Alert email messaging service.