Neighbourhood policing officers from across Dorset are to provide an improved visible presence this summer in a bid to reduce anti-social and criminal behaviour.
The initiative, called ‘100 days of summer’, will see officers on dedicated foot patrols at key locations and times for 100 days.
This evidence-based approach, which is proven to reduce anti-social behaviour (ASB) and criminal behaviour by carrying out highly visible patrols, has operated in the Melcombe Regis area of Weymouth over the past few years.
It was positively received by the public who appreciated the stronger visible presence of uniformed officers – resulting in a significant reduction in anti-social behaviour.
Police constables and police community support officers (PCSOs) will be visible in key areas of Bournemouth, Poole and Weymouth on a daily basis and will be supported by special constables.
Officers will also be carrying out regular joint patrols with Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS) and other designated officers from the two local authorities.
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Callaghan said: “We are committed to ensuring that residents and visitors to Dorset feel safe and are able to enjoy their time here.
“With longer days and warmer weather, the months of June, July and August are our busiest throughout the year for reports of anti-social behaviour.
“We have listened to concerns of the community regarding anti-social behaviour and have worked hard to reduce this over the past few years, seeing a reduction of 22 per cent over the summer months in reported ASB between 2021 and 2023.
“Dorset remains a safe place to live and visit and we hope this additional focus on visible policing will be welcomed by residents and support our ongoing efforts to reduce anti-social behaviour further.”
Officers and PCSOs will be able to make use of dispersal powers to direct people away from our towns or surrender alcohol if they have been acting in an anti-social manner.
Anyone who continues to come to notice will be considered for further action such as community protection notices and criminal behaviour orders.
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick said: “I am delighted to see Dorset Police is not only bringing back the 100 days of summer campaign this year but also extending the scheme to take place across Dorset.
“The scheme was hugely successful in Weymouth last year, with the town seeing a 40 per cent reduction in ASB incidents during the campaign period.
“I know the detrimental impact ASB can have on communities and individuals, and that is why I am pleased that this year even more of Dorset’s residents will feel the benefits as the scheme is rolled out across the county.
“If ASB is the virus that plagues our communities, then hot spot patrols led by community intelligence are the vaccine.”
Members of the public can keep up with results of patrols on neighbourhood policing social media accounts and by searching for the hashtag #100DaysOfSummer where officers will be posting daily results of patrols.