Hotspot patrols tackling ASB and serious violent crime deliver impressive results in Dorset
Dorset Police’s data-driven approach to tackling anti-social behaviour (ASB) and serious violent crime has delivered impressive results.
The Force has been carrying out high-visibility patrols in hotspots across Bournemouth and Weymouth, after data analysts mapped ASB and violent crime reports to identify where officers were most needed.
The initiative was launched in April 2024 with funding from central government’s Hotspot Action Fund.
It has already seen great success, with 70 per cent of the hotspots seeing a reduction in serious violent crime and 66.8 per cent showing a reduction in ASB reports during the 2024/25 year.
There have also been 199 stop and searches, 159 arrests and 177 uses of ASB powers (section 35 dispersal orders) related to the foot patrols during this period.
On Thursday 10 April 2025, the Home Office announced a further £1 million of funding had been allocated for Dorset following an application from the Police and Crime Commissioner, enabling the patrols to continue.
Moving forward, the patrols will expand to new data researched hotspots in Dorchester, Blandford, Swanage and Wimborne, and will also aim to help hit the Home Office’s national target of halving knife crime during the next decade.
Chief Superintendent Heather Dixey said: “ASB and violent crime affects people’s quality of life and how safe they feel within their communities, whether that’s in their own homes, at work or in public places. That is why tackling these crimes remains a key priority for Dorset Police.
“This government funding will enable us to continue our data-driven approach to tackling the issue, which has resulted in 70 per cent of hotspots seeing reductions in serious violent crime and 67 per cent showing decreased anti-social behaviour reports.
“These positive statistics demonstrate we are moving in the right direction and we will continue working to drive down this harmful behaviour.
“However, these dedicated patrols are just one part of the equation to reducing crime in the hotspots. Reports from the public help us to understand what and where crime is happening in our communities – if we don’t know about it, we can’t put a stop to it. Please continue to make reports to the police because your information will directly influence the work that we do.
“Our officers will use dispersal powers to direct people away from hotspots if they act in an anti-social manner. Repeated ASB by individuals may lead to further action including community protection notices and criminal behaviour orders."
Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset, David Sidwick said: “The statistics show we are moving in the right direction when it comes to tackling ASB and violent crime. Operation Track has played a large part in that so I am pleased that more areas of Dorset will be able to benefit from this successful initiative.
“My aim is to make Dorset an even safer place to live, work and visit and for that to happen, we must continue to crack down on the sort of neighbourhood crime and nuisance behaviour making people’s lives a misery.
"I am delighted that Operation Track will be bolstered, allowing the Force to build upon the strong results achieved over the past year. My Office will continue to explore all possible avenues to bring additional funds into Dorset for initiatives that prevent ASB and high harm.”