Your local Safer Neighbourhood Team is Dorchester West
Call them at Dorset Police on: 101 or on their team mobile: 07500 816292
or email: dorchester-rural-snt@dorset.pnn.police.uk
Dorchester Police Twitter Page
Have you discovered the Dorchester Police Twitter page yet? Why not take a look and follow the team who will give you up to date
information. Their Twitter page can be found on https://twitter.com/DorchesterSNT?
If you are going away please remember to:
•
Cancel milk, newspapers and other deliveries.
If possible, give a spare key to a family member or neighbour and ask them to pick up your post, so that it is not lying in a pile
on the floor. If you have an external mail-box, ask someone to regularly empty it for you.
•
Don't close curtains or blinds, as they are a 'give away' that the house is not occupied, particularly when drawn through the
day
•
Consider plugging a lamp into a 'time-switch', which will automatically turn the lamp on and off during the evening. However,
don't put the lamp in a room, which passers-by can see into when the light is on. You could also use a 'time-switch' to
automatically switch on a radio
•
Keep spare keys in a safe place. The first places that a burglar will look are under a mat or flowerpots. If possible, leave spare
keys with a family member or friend/neighbour, rather than outside your property. Never leave keys in the locks inside or lying
around the house
•
Lock all ladders and garden tools away in your shed or garage. Put a strong lock on the garden shed and lock all garage
doors
•
Please don't let the whole Social Networking world know that you're away. You never know who might be reading your
messages.
Finally, go away and have a great holiday!
Remember that many of the above guidelines can also be used when going out for the evening.
Please only use the numbers above for non-emergency calls. If a crime is in progress or life is in danger, please dial 999.
For help and advice, to report an incident or if you have been a victim contact Dorset Police on:
Telephone: 101 Non-emergency; Email: 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk; Online: www.dorset.police.uk
Crime Prevention
.
Comprehensive help and advice on crime prevention is available at:
https://www.dorset.police.uk/help-advice-crime-prevention/
For further information, help and advice on crime prevention visit: https://www.dorset.police.uk/help-advice-crime-prevention/
POLICE ADVICE
What is Action Fraud Alert?
Action Fraud Alert is provided by the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau which is run by the City of London Police as a national
service. Register to receive direct, verified, accurate information about scams and fraud in your area.
The system uses the Neighbourhood Alert Platform which is a secure, national community messaging facility used by Police,
Neighbourhood and Home Watch, Crimestoppers, Fire & Rescue Services and local authorities throughout the UK.
The service is totally free, you can sign up online immediately and messages are delivered by email, recorded voice and text
message. The system is confidential, you can opt into other services from your account here and control what you receive and who
sees your information. You can unsubscribe at any time instantly.
For details af the latest scam alerts go to https://www.actionfraudalert.co.uk/
Action Fraud is the name given to the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and financially motivated cyber crime. The team is run
by the City of London Police, working alongside the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau and Neighbourhood Alerts team. They use
information from all fraud and cyber crime cases reported to them to create alerts about new types of crime or those which are
increasing in severity.
Fraud is when trickery is used to gain a dishonest advantage, which is often financial, over another person. This can have a
devastating impact on those affected. Knowledge is the best defence when it comes to fraud. The more you know about the most
recent or common techniques fraudsters are using to defraud victims, the less likely you are to fall into the trap. Dorset Police has
designed a new webpage that will keep up to date with the latest frauds affecting the county on our website. Action Fraud also
sends information about scams and fraud in your area by email, recorded voice and text message.
If you believe you have been a victim of fraud or cybercrime, please report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040, or visiting
www.actionfraud.police.uk.
Latest News and Alerts
Spot the signs of County Lines - police launch campaign to protect vulnerable people from drugs gangs
Dorset Police has launched a campaign urging the public to spot the signs of County Lines and help protect vulnerable people from drugs
gangs.
County Lines is the term used to describe urban gangs supplying drugs to suburban areas, as well as market and coastal towns, by using
dedicated mobile phone lines. Criminals across the country use children and vulnerable people of all ages to courier drugs and money.
These drug dealers will often take up residence in a person’s home - known as cuckooing - to sell drugs in the local area. Once caught up in
County Lines, exploited individuals are at risk of extreme physical and/or sexual violence, gang recriminations and trafficking.
As part of its strategy to safeguard young and vulnerable people, Dorset Police is working to raise awareness of County Lines over the busy
summer months. Although the county remains among the safest places in the UK to live, work or holiday in, police are asking both local
people and visitors to stay alert to spot the signs of County Lines - and to report them.
Superintendent Caroline Naughton explains: “Protecting the vulnerable and tackling the supply of drugs is a priority for Dorset Police, and
we recognise the detrimental impact it has on local communities. We know that County Lines is not a problem that can be solved by police
efforts alone, and locally we have developed a successful neighbourhood policing response to drug issues and protecting vulnerable people
who are at risk of exploitation linked to drug taking and supply. Our local neighbourhood officers regularly patrol areas that are known for
street dealing and carry out safeguarding visits on vulnerable people living in our communities. However, we rely on members of the public
reporting information to us and this campaign is aimed at raising more awareness of the signs that someone could be involved in a county
lines drug network”.
Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill says: “County Lines is a growing problem, not just in Dorset but across the country. It is
something that the police can’t tackle alone. We need the support of our communities to continue to provide information to Dorset Police
about suspected drug-related offences. We’re asking residents, as well as people visiting the county, to be aware of the signs of County
Lines exploitation and to contact the police if they spot anything”.
Signs to look for:
• A young person going missing from school or home;
• Meeting with unfamiliar adults and/or a change in behaviour;
• Using drugs and alcohol;
• Money or expensive gifts they can’t account for;
• A neighbour who has not been seen for a while;
• More people calling at a neighbour’s home – often at unsociable hours;
• Suspicious vehicles/people attending a neighbour’s home.
If you have spotted the signs – please tell police. Call 101, report it online at dorset.police.uk/do-it-online, or contact Crimestoppers in
confidence on 0800 555111. If you suspect someone is in immediate danger, call 999.
Patrols Stepped Up To Tackle Anti-Social Behaviour Hotspots in West Dorset
The neighbourhood inspector for West Dorset is asking parents ‘do you know where your children are?’ as patrols are
stepped up to tackle anti-social behaviour hotspots.
Following a number of reports from residents in relation to anti-social behaviour in areas including Langmoor Gardens in
Lyme Regis and Pageant Gardens in Sherborne, proactive patrols are being carried out and section 35 dispersal powers are
being utilised. These powers mean police can order people to leave the area if their presence is likely to contribute towards
anti-social Behaviour and they are liable to be arrested if they return within a designated period.
Dorset Police is also working with local councils to ensure a detailed plan is in place to respond to these repeated reports of
anti-social behaviour.
Inspector Darren Stanton said: “Much of the anti-social behaviour reported involves individuals, mainly but not always young
people, getting together and listening to music. While this may seem harmless behaviour on the face of it, when the music is
at a loud volume and being played into the early hours of the morning it can cause considerable distress to people living nearby. We have even had
reports of people having to go and stay somewhere else just to get a good night’s sleep and this is clearly unacceptable. We are asking people in
these areas to think about their behaviour and be considerate of the impact it has on others.
There are also the clear public health implications of people getting together in larger groups, the COVID-
As we enter the summer holidays and young people spend more time outdoors and away from home, we want parents to ensure they know where
their children are and that they are acting in a safe and responsible manner.”
Anyone with information about anti-social behaviour in their area is asked to report it to Dorset Police when it’s happening at www.dorset.police.uk, via
email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101.
Message Sent By
Julie Heath (Dorset Police, Neighbourhood Alert Officer, Dorset)
Communities and Visitors Urged To Enjoy Summer Holidays In Dorset Safely
Partner agencies in Dorset are urging communities and visitors to the county to enjoy the summer holidays
safely.
With the school summer term due to finish for many this week, councils, emergency services and other
organisations have been busy preparing for a wave of visitors arriving to experience all that the county has to
offer. However, with the ongoing public health situation residents and tourists are being encouraged to remain
conscious of the need to act responsibly when out and about this summer and respect their surroundings and
local communities.
Assistant Chief Constable Sam de Reya, of Dorset Police, said: “The majority of our communities and visitors
have continued to behave in a considerate and responsible manner throughout these difficult last few months
and, even though many of the restrictions previously in place have eased, we would ask that to continue as we enter the peak
summer holiday period. We have already seen surges in visitor numbers to the county during sunny spells and we are expecting
these to continue over the coming weeks. We have been working hard to ensure a thorough policing plan is in place and have been
liaising with our partners to ensure we are as prepared as possible. As the summer getaway begins we are also likely to see an
increase in traffic on our roads. We are urging people to plan ahead and expect delays. Please drive safely and take regular breaks
if you are travelling long distances. This is obviously a key period for our hospitality sector and I hope that everyone can enjoy it
responsibly so we can continue to make the most of everything that is on offer.”
Councillor Vikki Slade, leader of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, added: “This weekend marks the start of the big
summer holidays and we encourage everyone thinking of heading to the beach to take responsibility. We know the summer can be
busy but if everyone takes a little time to plan their journey, perhaps use car parks further away from the hotspot seafront areas,
consider the impact on other people using the beach or promenades and ensure they leave only footprints from their visit, then we
can all have an enjoyable experience. Should visitor numbers start to rise we will have resources in place to respond to any issues
arising and will be in close contact with our multi agency partners to ensure the area is managed safely.
Councillor Spencer Flower, leader of Dorset Council said: “With schools officially breaking up this week and with more people in the
UK expected to take ‘staycations’ rather than holidaying abroad, we are of course, anticipating more visitors to come to Dorset in
the weeks ahead. We want to reassure residents that we have thorough plans in place to avoid a repeat of scenes at some of our
most popular visitor destinations recently. Dorset is a great place to live, work and visit so it’s important we work together to keep it
special. We are asking everyone to respect our communities by following social distancing advice, not to bring disposable BBQs
and please take any litter home.”
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill said: “As Dorset welcomes visitors back, I’d like to remind people that
many of our residents are still understandably very nervous about COVID-19. Enjoy our beaches, beauty spots and hospitality
industry, but please do so safely and in a way that respects our communities. Stick to the guidance and don’t do anything that will
put undue pressure on our police and emergency services or could increase the chances of a spike in cases. And as we return to
business as usual across the county, I’d also like to remind everyone to respect our roads. Officers will be out and about over the
next few months looking out for dangerous and selfish motorists. And while there is never any excuse for drug or drink driving, if you
try to get away with it in Dorset this summer you will get caught, lose your licence and potentially your job.”
With the schools breaking up, young people are also being reminded of the need to take act responsibly over the holidays.
ACC de Reya said: “I know this has been a tough time for children and young people recently, with disruptions to school and the
various restrictions that have been put in place. However, we need you to continue to do your bit by not gathering in large groups
and observing social distancing guidance. I appreciate young people will want to go out and have fun this summer, and they
deserve to, but I want them to avoid taking unnecessary risks, such as swimming in unsupervised stretches of open water, and
recognise the dangers of taking substances like alcohol and illegal drugs.”
Public Health Dorset has the following harm reduction advice for those who do choose to use substances:
•
Stay with friends that you trust and never use substances on your own
•
Start with a very small amount and wait for at least an hour before taking more so you can see your reaction to the substance
•
Avoid mixing drugs, including alcohol and prescription medication
•
Stay hydrated, keep cool and take breaks out of the sun
•
Don’t be afraid to get help for yourself or a friend and be honest with the emergency services about what has been taken.
The fire service is also stressing the need for people enjoying the sunny weather to be ‘fire-aware’.
Area Manager Seth Why, of Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We are asking the public and visitors to the area
to leave your barbecues at home as they are a significant fire risk to the countryside. Whilst we understand that the warm weather
will leave many wanting to go out and enjoy it, we cannot stress the importance of being fire-aware, this follows recent significant
fires started by disposable BBQs. We would also like to remind people to make sure their children are staying safe while outside
over the summer as we do see an increase in deliberate fires during school holidays.
The NHS is offering advice on what to do if you require medical treatment.
For ailments or injuries which require urgent care, please call 111 and you will be given advice or booked in for a face-to-face
appointment at the appropriate site. If you or someone you are with has an emergency or is in a life-threatening situation, don’t
hesitate call 999. For everything else, call 111 or go to 111 online.
Message Sent By
Julie Heath (Dorset Police, Neighbourhood Alert Officer, Dorset)
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