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Dealing with Anti-Social Behaviour in Dorset

This week is Anti-social Behaviour Awareness Week, a subject which I know is of utmost importance to people in Dorset. Issues related to ASB can cause fear and concern in communities, and since I came to Office, I have been absolutely determined to get a grip of this and ensure those who live, work and visit our area are safe and importantly, feel safe. Tackling ASB is front and centre of my Police and Crime Plan, which is why I am proud that levels of anti-social behaviour across Dorset and BCP are now at their lowest since 2008, thanks to dedicated and targeted work by Dorset Police alongside partner agencies over the past few years.

Part of this success is down to the work of hotspot patrols as part of Op Track which has significantly reduced ASB in many of the areas this was originally piloted, enhanced patrols in key locations during the busy summer period and the work of Dorset Police’s Neighbourhood Policing Teams (NPTs), alongside strong partnership working with local authorities to ensure these issues are seized upon and dealt with in a timely way. Of course, tackling ASB and getting to the root of sometimes complex issues can often take some time and involve multiple agencies, so I would urge members of the public to continue reporting incidents to the relevant agency to ensure they have as much information as possible to be robust and effective.

One of the ways in which I ensure my Office is helping to empower communities and help reduce incidents of ASB is through my Operation Relentless Community Fund. Earlier this year we invited community groups to apply for grants between £100 and £5,000 to help make their communities even safer places to live, and I look forward to seeing these projects and ideas come to life very soon. The Op Relentless Community Fund has granted nearly £208,000 to 52 schemes, initiatives and groups over the last four years to reduce ASB at a grass roots level. This has included projects focused on community outreach work, employment skills workshops and sports activities. 

I am also really pleased that throughout the next year, Dorset Police will be able to move more police officers into neighbourhood roles, thanks to extra funding as part of the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee. This money will enable Dorset Police to recruit more police staff investigators, detention officers and contact officers, strengthening Neighbourhood Policing Teams and ensuring a greater police presence on our streets to deter crime and tackle ASB.

I recognise the concern incidents of anti-social behaviour cause. Whether it is witnessed while out and about or experienced from your own home, it leads to worry and naturally makes many people feel unsettled. While Dorset Police has been successful in tackling ASB in many areas, I know there is still work to do. I want to assure the people of Dorset that I remain fully committed to my Police and Crime Plan commitment and am determined Dorset Police has all the support it needs to continue tackling ASB robustly, ensuring our county remains one of the safest in the country.

David Sidwick

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner

How to report Anti-Social Behaviour

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