Dorset Police news site

As part of our ongoing commitment to enhancing community safety and reducing crime, we're pleased to share updates on the collaborative efforts of various agencies working to improve the Somerford area in Christchurch.

Over the past four months, several organisations including Sovereign Network Group (SNG), Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council, Dorset Police and local schools have united to address public safety and environmental issues. This collaboration maximises resources and expertise to better serve the community.

As part of this initiative, £5,000 from Dorset's Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, through the ‘Op Relentless’ Community Fund, has been secured to combat anti-social behaviour (ASB) - launching the Safer Somerford Programme.

Funding will cover local initiatives to reduce ASB, improve safety and enhance the local area, including:

• Community clean-up to remove waste and maintain overgrown crime hotspots.
• Community engagements to gather residents' concerns, shaping future actions that foster change and promote pride.
• Youth Outreach: Vita Nova, a community arts charity, will create a Key Stage 2 performance for local primary schools, using drama to address themes like county lines, cuckooing and addiction.
• Information and awareness-raising initiatives to improve reporting of ASB and crime.

The programme launched on Monday 24 June 2024 and has since introduced a multi-agency reporting and support leaflet, organised a community clean-up day, hosted a multi-agency event with over 40 residents, held a meeting with concerned residents, partnered with Vita Nova charity for youth outreach, and gathered community feedback to guide future initiatives.

On Thursday 6 June 2024, SNG organised a community clean-up day around Hunt Road and Dorset Road; clearing litter, fly-tipping hotspots, and trimming grass and hedges to improve green spaces. Agencies engaged with residents, increased their presence, and gathered valuable information during the initiative – all warranting positive feedback from the local community.

Diane Humphries, SNG’s Community Investment and Partnership Lead for Dorset, said: “SNG is far more than just a housing association; we work to create strong and safe communities where residents can thrive and feel a part of. Working with partners in local authorities, community organisations and the police enables us to achieve far more collectively than any of us could acting alone.

“The funding we have had from Dorset's Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner also plays an important part in that mission and to making a safer community in Somerford.”

Over the past 12 months, SNG has collaborated with the local policing team, BCP Council’s ASB Team, and the Somerford community to address instances of ASB. Agencies have shared information and acted against households involved in or enabling criminal activity. SNG engages with the community through events and supports households willing to cooperate.

Neighbourhood Inspector Dan Cullen, of Bournemouth East and Christchurch police, said: “Over recent months we have been working hard to tackle the issues that matter most to the residents of Somerford. Working with our partner agencies, we have been carrying out activity to disrupt and deter ASB and improve community safety.

“It is vitally important to us all that we continue our efforts going forward to ensure that residents and visitors of Somerford can enjoy their time in the area. We would encourage anyone who wishes to pass on information or report any concerns to please speak to a member of the neighbourhood policing team.”

Collaborative enforcement action has so far led to:

• Three full closure orders being issued for Somerford properties due to significant nuisance, disorder or criminal activity.
• An anti-Social Behaviour Injunction (ASBI) being obtained.
• A Court hearing held for breach of ASBI.
• Three notices issued to pursue future possessional of premises.

Three recent Days of Action have also been held in Somerford following concerns raised by the local community regarding drug-related activity, ASB and violent crime.

On Wednesday 14 August 2024, neighbourhood policing and enforcement officers took targeted action in the area, conducting three stop searches, logging five intelligence reports, and carrying out five disruption surveys.

A 25-year-old man from Bournemouth was arrested on suspicion of being involved in supplying class A drugs and driving offences - suspected cocaine, cash, and his vehicle were seized. A second man, aged 32, was also arrested and charged with theft and using threatening language.

Activity across following days saw officers conduct 12 address checks on vulnerable individuals, complete eight disruption surveys, and assist with a closure order on Hunt Road. A woman received a community resolution for drug possession, and a man was arrested for failing to appear in court.

An engagement event also generated intelligence logs, safeguarded vulnerable people, and received positive public feedback. Partner agencies will continue to carry out further engagement activity involving high-visibility policing and plain-clothed activity.

The public are encouraged to keep an eye out for upcoming events, including the Vita Nova community drama workshop and performance (September – October), and the Community Clean-Up and Awareness Raising event (October half-term).

Community involvement and engagement is vital to the success of these initiatives, so we encourage residents to participate in upcoming community meetings, provide feedback on ongoing projects across the Somerford Estate to SNG, and actively report crime and ASB.

Cllr Kieron Wilson, Member for Housing and Regulatory Services at BCP Council, said: "Criminality and ASB have no place in the BCP area, and the council is committedly working with Dorset Police, Sovereign Network Group and other partners to tackle these issues, both in Somerford and across the wider area.

"Issues like these can only be addressed if properly reported, and agencies can’t act on information shared on social media alone. If not reported correctly, there’s a risk incidents won’t be captured, so we ask residents to please accurately report issues via the correct channels.”

How to report?

In an emergency, when a crime is in progress, or there is a risk to life or property call 999.

• If the situation is not an emergency but you need to speak to a local police officer, report information about a crime or incident, or need crime prevention advice call Dorset Police on 101 or visit www.dorset.police.uk/ro/report/asb/asb-v3/report-antisocial-behaviour

• You can also contact the council to discuss concerns about ASB: asbteam@bcpcouncil.gov.uk or call 01202 128883

• If you are a Sovereign housing tenant, you can contact Sovereign Network Group by calling 0300 5000 926, email contact@sovereign.org.uk or visit www.sovereign.org.uk/advice-and-guides/concerns/anti-social-behaviour

• All agencies will respect confidentiality, but if you are concerned about disclosing your personal details, you can report incidents anonymously by ringing Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org

• Issues of an environmental nature, for example: fly tipping, dog control/fouling, bins, should be reported to the council: www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/report

• Noise complaints should be reported to BCP Council: online.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/services/?returnurl=nuisance