Reduced crime rates in Dorchester following efforts by neighbourhood policing officers
Determined neighbourhood policing officers in Dorchester have nearly halved rates of crime and anti-social behaviour (ASB) in the town.
Over the past 12 months, crime in Dorchester has reduced by an average of 40 per cent across all areas, with a notable reduction of 70 per cent for vehicle crime.
It follows efforts by Dorchester Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) and its focus on taking positive action and partnership working.
This has included using crime data to carry out targeted patrols in the town, engaging with the public, gathering intelligence and pursuing convictions for prolific offenders.
To reduce retail theft specifically, the NPT has continued to engage with local businesses and has carried out specific operations which have resulted in a large number of shoplifting convictions. This success has been applauded by the town centre’s business owners and the town council.
Officers have also worked closely with partners through Problem Solving Group (PSG) and Multi-Agency Problem Solving (MAPS) meetings to use civil orders, injunctions, ASB warnings and community protection warnings and notices to those causing issues and committing crime.
There has been close work with licensees, and licensed premised staff included in the PSG, to ensure Dorchester remains a safe place in the evenings.
The NPT teamed up with housing to obtain injunctions and evictions thus removing persistent offenders from residency close to the town. This has helped to reduce ASB and its impact on residents.
Youth Services were also involved in the efforts, helping officers to target emerging problems of youth ASB by sharing intelligence, conducting joint patrols and reducing the risk to children.
Inspector Gerard Want, of West Dorset and Purbeck NPT, said: “This reduction in crime in Dorchester has been achieved by a determined and highly committed NPT.
“Our officers have demonstrated they are relentless in their efforts to tackle crime in the area and hold offenders to account, maintaining Dorchester as a safe place to live.
“I would like to thank all of those involved in helping us to achieve these results, which includes partner agencies and local businesses and members of the public who have engaged with us.
“As our efforts continue, we are urging people to report any crimes or incidents being committed in the area – if we don’t know about it, we can’t put a stop to it.”