Tackling drugs, burglary and anti-social behaviour: Main priorities of new Dorset Crime Plan
The Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset says a new crime fighting plan for the county is based on the main issued identified by residents
Burglary, anti-social behaviour and drugs are the three main issues that will be tackled in the new Crime Plan for Dorset.
It’s based on opinions of thousands of residents, who highlighted the areas where they wanted to see change.
The Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset, David Sidwick, said one of the key points was making officers more visible across the county:
"It is about having more police officers. We know we've got more police officers coming. but its making certain they go to the right place.
"I've been very clear with this uplift, with the 20,000 new police officers across the country, Dorset's fair share needs to go where its needed - in the communities."
There are six priorities in the plan. They include:
- Cutting Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour
- Making Policing More Visible
- Fighting Violent Crime
- Fighting Rural Crime
- Putting Victims and Communities First
- Making Every Penny Count
PCC David Sidwick said he wants Dorset to become the safest region in the whole of the UK:
"Health has a roll. Education has a roll. So it's about not just catching the criminals but also about preventing crime happening.
"If we get this right, if we deliver these priorities, then my vision that Dorset will be the safest county will be achieved."
Dorset is also a key area targeted by county lines drug gangs - who exploit young people into carrying out drug operations in rural areas.
PCC David Sidwick said we need to reach out to young people sooner to stop them getting involved with gangs.
"Part of it is about early intervention and diversion. I know there is more funding coming for youth clubs more generally, particularly for those who are on the cusp of falling into gangs.
"If there is a lot of crime or anti-social behaviour in a small town or village, what happens is people start feeling unsafe. people want to move away. And therefore the village or town starts dying. To me, that's unacceptable."