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Two projects to help make Dorset a safe place to live

In this week’s newsletter I would like to update you on two significant initiatives which will further arm us with the vital tools to tackle some of the key priorities of my Police and Crime Plan – cutting anti-social behaviour, putting victims and communities first, fighting violent crime and rural crime.

As was clear in this year’s Annual Survey, anti-social behaviour is also still a big concern of yours, the residents of Dorset. Of those who responded to the survey, 71% of you said ASB is the crime which affects you the most. I want to reassure you that Operation Relentless, our campaign to tackle ASB in Dorset, continues apace, with hot spot patrols across the county. These are having a positive impact, with incidents of ASB falling by 13% compared to 2021/22.

Last week I announced two pieces of news about projects which will enable us to take our vital work even further. Today, I want to tell you how these schemes will work. The Immediate Justice pilot scheme and our successful Safer Streets funding bid of nearly £1million will further enhance our capability to deal with ASB and other crimes which directly affect our communities. I know anti-social behaviour has a negative impact on the places we live but hope these two projects demonstrate once more how committed I am to tackle these crimes.

Firstly, Immediate Justice, is a scheme Dorset Police is piloting under the Government’s Anti-Social Behaviour Plan along with nine other forces. The introduction of this scheme is designed so swift and visible punishments are delivered to those who have committed ASB and other low-level crimes.

We’re asking for help from the residents of Dorset. I’d like to hear from you, what type of actions you would like to see take place under the scheme. For example, would you like those who have done wrong to clean-up graffiti or maintain parks and public spaces? I am determined to get Immediate Justice right for everyone in Dorset, and value your input. Take the survey here: Immediate Justice survey

The other piece of good news I am delighted to share, is our successful bid from the Home Office’s Safer Street Fund. Dorset has been awarded almost £1million for projects which focus on the safety of women and girls, as well as tackling crime in our rural communities.

The funding, which was awarded following a joint bid with BCP Council and Dorset Council, will include the introduction of a Women’s Night Safety Charter, ‘Theft and Burglary’ prevention packs to mark rural farm property as well as more CCTV cameras in places across Dorset. Thanks to this substantial funding, numerous communities across the county will be able to feel even safer on the streets where they live as these projects roll-out.

With this money we can provide help to a wide range of projects including many more beyond those mentioned, on a scale we haven’t seen before. And it is my hope that this vital funding will benefit communities across the whole of Dorset, helping to make us the safest county to live.

David Sidwick

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner

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