Neighbourhood Alert Reports These reports are as received from the Police Cooordinators, and not edited by me April 18, 2025 Help for victims of domestic abuse One of the most important aspects of my role as PCC is to provide vital support services for victims of crime in Dorset. Recently, I was pleased to commission Victim Support Dorset to provide a range of services for victims of crime across the county, including victims of domestic abuse. The new services, which came into effect earlier this month, have been put in place for five years and will ensure support is available for victims of crimes including burglary and robbery, anti-social behaviour and domestic abuse. Today, I want to focus on the service Victim Support offer to victims of domestic abuse, to help them cope and recover from their experiences. Included in my Police and Crime Plan are key commitments to not only tackle domestic abuse but to ensure victims are supported and heard. Their needs are the priority, and that’s why they are at the heart of everything I do. My Office has built a strong, positive relationship with Victim Support over the years, and I know this will continue to flourish as this contract continues. Under the new service, Victim Support Dorset offer comprehensive support services for domestic abuse victims in the county from Monday to Friday, with their national Supportline and Live Chat services available and operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Specialised support for children and young people affected by domestic abuse is also provided as part of the service. Support for domestic abuse victims is delivered through one-to-one channels including face-to-face, phone, video, email and text. Victim Support also offer support through partnerships with specialist agencies, as well as My Support Space and online therapy packages and educational webinars. This service includes a thorough referral and risk assessment processes, victim-led support plans, safety planning, and assistance with navigating the criminal justice system. Referrals are reviewed by experienced staff, with initial contact made within 48 hours, followed by personalised support plans and ongoing advocacy. It is also important to say that this free confidential service is available for victims of domestic abuse regardless of whether a crime has been reported to the police or not, and at any point during an investigation. I know that asking for help can be difficult, so it is crucial we make this as easy as possible for those who need it. Rhiannon Price, Operations Manager for Victim Support Dorset said: “This is a vital support service for victims of domestic abuse across Dorset. The service, which includes specialised support for children and young people, is free, confidential and delivered by dedicated, experienced staff who will listen with compassion and help victims to find ways to cope and feel safer.” Domestic abuse is a devastating crime which can ruin lives, and it is vital victims have all the compassion, understanding and emotional and practical support they need to deal with the impact of their experience. Whether through Victim Support or another service my Office commissions, there is support available, in a way which suits you and your circumstances (learn more here). It is my mission to help victims of crime, and I know that the enhanced service Victim Support offers will be an integral part of our ongoing efforts to protect and support victims in Dorset. David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Victim Support: You can contact Victim Support Dorset by calling 0300 3030 163 or Supportline 08081689111 out of hours. You can also chat online 24 hours a day, seven days a week – victimsupport.org.uk Message Sent By: Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Community Alert: Drain Cleaning Scams in Christchurch and Poole Residents of Christchurch and Poole are being warned about rogue traders pressuring people to undertake unnecessary or overpriced drain cleaning services. These individuals often use high-pressure tactics to exploit vulnerable homeowners, including the elderly. Protect yourself and your community by staying vigilant. The traders typically arrive unannounced, claiming they've been working in the area and have noticed problems with the local drains. What to Watch Out For Scare Tactics: Claims of urgent drainage issues that require immediate action. Excessive Charges: Inflated prices for simple services or unnecessary equipment. Lack of Transparency: Refusal to provide written quotes or proof of credentials. Pushy Behaviour: Insistence on cash payments upfront or coercion to make quick decisions. Offering to drive you to your bank to withdraw cash. How You Can Protect Yoursel Verify Credentials: Ensure the trader is reputable and has valid identification. Get Multiple Quotes: Compare prices from trusted companies before agreeing to any work. Avoid Cash Payments: Use traceable payment methods and pay only after satisfactory completion of the job. Know Your Rights: You have a 14-day cooling-off period for contracts signed at home. Lack of this notice is a criminal offense. Spread the Word Help protect your community: Warn friends and family via social media about these scams. Look out for elderly neighbours who may be targeted by rogue traders. Report Suspicious Activity If you suspect rogue traders, report them immediately: Call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline at 0808 223 1133 for advice or to file a complaint. Contact your local Trading Standards office through the "Find My Council" page on the .gov website. By staying alert and sharing this information, we can collectively safeguard Christchurch, Poole, and surrounding areas from rogue traders. Message Sent By: Damian Cranny (Dorset Police, Fraud Protect Officer, Dorset April 17, 2025 Stay vigilant for ticket fraud ahead of top events and concerts this summer. Hello everyone, In Action Fraud's new campaign, we are urging people planning to buy tickets or attend this summer’s events and concerts to stay vigilant to criminals. According to new data, £9.7 million was lost to ticket fraud in 2024 in the UK alone. Action Fraud, the national fraud and cybercrime reporting service, has launched a new ticket fraud awareness campaign, warning people to be alert to fraudsters trying to catch out people planning for popular and sold-out events Follow our top tips to avoid falling victim to ticket fraud. Only buy tickets from the venue’s box office, official promoter or agent, or a well-known ticketing website. Avoid paying for tickets by bank transfer, especially if buying from someone unknown. Credit card or payment services such as PayPal give you a better chance of recovering the money if you become a victim of fraud. The password you use for your email account, as well as any other accounts you use to purchase tickets, should be different from all your other passwords. Use three random words to create a strong and memorable password, and enable 2-step verification (2SV). Be wary of unsolicited emails, texts or adverts offering unbelievably good deals on tickets. Is the vendor a member of STAR? If they are, the company has signed up to their strict governing standards. STAR also offers an approved Alternative Dispute Resolution service to help customers with outstanding complaints. For more information visit star.org.uk/buy_safe. If you’ve lost money or provided your financial information to someone, or think you’ve been a victim of fraud, notify your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101. (If you found this information useful, please share it with friends, family and colleagues) Message Sent By: Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National) April 12, 2025 Education, prevention and changing attitudes – VAWG projects thrive across Dorset While Dorset is one of the safest counties in the country, we must always be pushing for further improvements. One these vital areas is Violence Against Women and Girls, a key priority of my Police and Crime Plan. Dorset benefited from £784,055 of government funding to improve residents’ safety following a bid between my Office, Dorset Council and BCP Council. Over the past two years, ten local projects have been commissioned under the Safer Streets programme with many directly or indirectly, aimed at preventing violence against women and girls. I am committed to enabling the police and partner agencies to robustly deal with these abhorrent crimes. A collaborative approach is needed to stamp out violence, which is what we have operating effectively here. Intelligence, information and data sharing is vital to protect women from harm and improve criminal justice outcomes. One of the projects, the Unity Promise launched a year ago in Bournemouth Town Centre and has seen 40 venues sign up to the charter, with plans to expand into Poole and Christchurch. It reassures customers that a company takes female safety seriously. The charter is a checklist with practical steps for businesses to take such as training for staff, to ensure the district is a safe place for women. Experts also audit venues, giving advice on how spaces could be adapted to enhance safety and reduce risk of crime. BCP’s Unity Promise encourages reporting so Dorset Police are better aware of frequency and types of incidents occurring, meaning a more accurate picture and response can be developed. Community Safety Team Leader at BCP, Lauren Duffy explained: “During the last year, we have focussed on developing our training sessions and are now looking to adapt these to different sectors including security staff, bus drivers and hotels. The enthusiasm we received from Unity Promise champions has been refreshing. It’s great to work together with the community to improve the experiences of women and girls. We hope with the continued support of our champions current and new, we will be able to grow the Unity Promise initiative even further over the next year.” Elsewhere, Dorset’s Sexual Trauma and Recovery Service (STARS) used funds to bring in additional staff to deliver an education programme for young people in schools across BCP, and Bournemouth University. Sixty-two sessions that focused on respectful relationships, consent and bystander training were delivered to 2,900 teenagers during the last quarter alone. In the Dorset Council area, the Pineapple Project educate young people about the risks of exploitation and sexual assault. The charity received funding to expand their reach by recruiting more community guardians and now host sessions in Weymouth, Portland, Swanage and Dorchester. Workshops have been put on for 700 children across six schools and two colleges so far. Feedback suggest that young people have been willing to about their experiences with Pineapple Project. This provides a valuable opportunity to educate them on risks faced outside of the home and highlight behaviours that are unacceptable and potentially harmful to others. Dorset Police will continue to deal with offences against women and girls, using the full force of the law against perpetrators. But the value of work done by groups like STARS or Pineapple Project is crucial to change attitudes and behaviour among future generations of men, to eradicate gender-based crimes in the long run. There is no doubt women and girls must feel safe whether in town during day or night, and in their own homes and my Office will continue to work with any group wanting to make Dorset safer for women and girls. It must also be acknowledged that many sexual offences, including stalking and spiking, go unreported. I urge anyone who has been the victim of an offence recently or historically, to come forward when you are ready, and speak to Dorset Police or other relevant agencies, so you can start to get the help and support you need. You can learn about other Safer Streets initiatives which have received investment in Dorset here David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Message Sent By: Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Community Alert: Drain Cleaning Scams in Christchurch and Poole Residents of Christchurch and Poole are being warned about rogue traders pressuring people to undertake unnecessary or overpriced drain cleaning services. These individuals often use high-pressure tactics to exploit vulnerable homeowners, including the elderly. Protect yourself and your community by staying vigilant. The traders typically arrive unannounced, claiming they've been working in the area and have noticed problems with the local drains. What to Watch Out For Scare Tactics: Claims of urgent drainage issues that require immediate action. Excessive Charges: Inflated prices for simple services or unnecessary equipment. Lack of Transparency: Refusal to provide written quotes or proof of credentials. Pushy Behaviour: Insistence on cash payments upfront or coercion to make quick decisions. Offering to drive you to your bank to withdraw cash. How You Can Protect Yoursel Verify Credentials: Ensure the trader is reputable and has valid identification. Get Multiple Quotes: Compare prices from trusted companies before agreeing to any work. Avoid Cash Payments: Use traceable payment methods and pay only after satisfactory completion of the job. Know Your Rights: You have a 14-day cooling-off period for contracts signed at home. Lack of this notice is a criminal offense. Spread the Word Help protect your community: Warn friends and family via social media about these scams. Look out for elderly neighbours who may be targeted by rogue traders. Report Suspicious Activity If you suspect rogue traders, report them immediately: Call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline at 0808 223 1133 for advice or to file a complaint. Contact your local Trading Standards office through the "Find My Council" page on the .gov website. By staying alert and sharing this information, we can collectively safeguard Christchurch, Poole, and surrounding areas from rogue traders. Message Sent By: Damian Cranny (Dorset Police, Fraud Protect Officer, Dorset April 7, 2025 Buying Tickets Safely Online Dear Resident, Imagine you’re sitting in a café or pub, and somebody you’ve never met before offers you tickets for a sold-out concert or event that you really want to see. All you need to do is give them the cash there and then, and they’ll drop them through your letterbox in a couple of days. You wouldn’t really do this in a café or pub, would you? So why do it on social media, auction sites or fan forums? Because actually, it’s no different. This month, Get Safe Online is providing expert advice on buying tickets safely online. To learn more, simply visit our website in the link below or read the tips in the attached leaflet. Buying and selling tickets – your safety guide - Get Safe Online With kind regards, The Get Safe Online team ----------------------------- Attachments Buy Tickets Safely Online.pdf Message Sent By: Get Safe Online April 4, 2025 What is happening to reduce youth sexual violence and harmful behaviour in Dorset Ending violence against women and girls is a priority of my Police and Crime Plan. While sexual offences are committed against both genders, it is largely a crime impacting women. Police records show that nationally, the victim is female in 86% of sexual offences. I am determined to do all I can to improve the situation for young people in Dorset, so they grow up with healthy attitudes towards relationships, gender and sex while understanding what constitutes normal behaviour. Society is evolving and the internet has created change, but it is crucial our younger generations do not lose sight of what is acceptable in the real-world. In recent times, my office has funded the Pineapple Project to deliver workshops to 700 schoolchildren in West Dorset about the risks of sexual exploitation and assault. STARS Dorset received money to put on consent training for 15 to 20 year-olds which focused on having respectful relationships. Circles South-West were also funded to educate young people and reduce the chances of them engaging in physical or non-physical sexual violence. I will now pass over to Service Manager for Young People & Families at Circles South West, Jackie Citron, who works with young people in Dorset: In recent years, we have seen more extreme and concerning behaviour being shown by younger children in Dorset. Our organisation hosts Circles of Support and Accountability (Circles) and 1:1 Interventions for young people that engage in harmful sexual behaviour. Circles are for those that already engaged in harmful behaviour. Volunteers form support groups with a ‘core member’ of the Circle, who meet regularly for one year. For those aged 10 to 20, the focus is on providing a network to reduce isolation, enhance self-esteem, develop independence and social skills. Interventions aim to stop children on the cusp of engaging in harmful behaviour. They include education on risks of sharing nude photos, inappropriate use of extreme pornography or online harassment. Our ultimate purpose is to prevent future victims by educating young people about the need to respect personal boundaries. Previously, young people referred to Circles came mainly from backgrounds involving trauma, abuse and neglect but nowadays, many come from ‘happier’ backgrounds. Parents and teachers are struggling to keep up with changes brought about by the internet, which you get a glimpse of in the chaotic school scenes in the Netflix series, Adolescence. The increasing number of referrals made by primary schools is concerning. While our average age for intervention is 15, we now support children as young as 10. In the past our work was primarily with secondary school aged children, but we are getting an increasing number of enquiries for younger children and that is partly down to the internet. Sexual activity between family members is often normalised in mainstream pornography and this is likely to be having a negative impact on young people. Despite pornography being an obvious driver of harmful sexual behaviour among young people, social media platforms also contribute to the problem. Whether that be influencers who spout misogynistic views that appeal to boys, or girls who are presented with physically idealised female bodies in the media and are led to believe that is what society values. Parents should start having age-appropriate conversations with their children about relationships and sexuality from a young age, and ideally whilst they are in primary school. It is important to create a safe space in your home where children feel comfortable to openly share details about what is happening in their lives. Many parents are not prepared to have difficult conversations, or are unaware of the online world their children are growing up in. I also encourage parents to set boundaries regarding internet access and keeping an eye on which apps are used. Obviously, I would like to see more action from the Government to act against online mega giants who host troublesome content, and ensure legislation changes to better protect young people across the country. Thanks to Jackie for that insightful article. Accepting that many children are further advanced with technology than adults, it is also parents’ responsibility to keep a close eye on their child’s online activity. Circles do a fantastic job, and I’ll continue to work with any group wanting to make Dorset a safer place for women and girls, as their safety remains a key priority. It must also be acknowledged that many sexual offences go unreported. I urge anyone who has been the victim of an offence recently or historically, to come forward, whenever you are ready, and speak to Dorset Police or other relevant agencies, so you can start to get the help and support you need. If you would like to learn more about Circles South West please visit here. David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Message Sent By: Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner March 29, 2025 How Operation Relentless funding has supported Dorset communities so far I was delighted to launch round five of the Operation Relentless Community Fund in Dorset last week, giving local organisations the chance to apply for funding to help drive down anti-social behaviour (ASB). Since setting up the fund four years ago to support Dorset based community groups and charity projects to tackle ASB, we have awarded £150,700 to 35 initiatives with some fantastic results achieved. Reports of ASB in our county have fallen to the lowest level since 2007/08, with ASB across all of Dorset falling by 32% since before the pandemic thanks to dedicated work by Dorset Police and partner agencies alongside my Office. One of the initiatives under Operation Relentless which has proved to be successful was in Shillingstone, where money in round four was given to the Parish Council for two new CCTV systems. The eight cameras are proving an effective deterrent to ASB, with reports saying the locations have been far quieter since the installation in November. The fund also supported an AFC Bournemouth Community Trust programme designed to boost practical skills and confidence of young people, enhancing employment prospects. People not in education, employment or training and the homeless received advice on increasing resilience and interview techniques, alongside football training. One parent said their teenage autistic son rarely left his bedroom, as he was suffering with high anxiety and low mood, but joining the club’s programme drastically helped the boy’s self-esteem and changed their outlook on life. Another recipient was Bournemouth’s Vita Nova Community Arts Charity, who put on age-appropriate workshops in schools discussing topics from ‘stranger danger’ to county lines. These examples demonstrate the broad range of ways Operation Relentless funds have been used previously to make Dorset a better place to live, and I look forward to seeing what groups from all corners of the county do during the next round to continue our progress further. I am clear that enforcement alone cannot combat crimes. To tackle root causes rather than the symptoms, we need clear prevention and education pathways such as creating more diversion schemes across Dorset, by supporting projects that benefit young people and stops them entering the Criminal Justice System. That is what the Operation Relentless Community fund does. It brings practical solutions to Dorset’s problems, so if you are a charity or local project and fit the criteria – I would encourage you to bid for funding. Together, we can banish ASB and make our county safer for everyone. Applications from £100 up to £5,000 are welcomed, but the projects must address ASB and have a local focus. To find out more please visit our webpage here. David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Message Sent By: Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner March 21, 2024 Neighbourhood Watch Network Trustee Opportunity Neighbourhood Watch Network is the national umbrella charity for the thousands of local crime prevention and community strengthening schemes across England and Wales. We represent the movement at a national level and provide tools and services that help our volunteers, supporters and local Associations drive our work forward. As a charity, our trustee board provides strategic oversight, direction and guidance to our CEO and staff and is accountable for the charity delivering impact and public benefit, and using its resources effectively and efficiently. We are a small, friendly and professional group who meet 4-5 times a year, with about half of these meetings held online. We estimate the average time commitment at around 6-8 hours per month and we aim to be as flexible as possible so that trustees can manage the role alongside other commitments. We would be pleased to hear from people who have experience of serving on, or reporting to, a board but we are also keen to provide training and support for colleagues taking on their first trustee role. Previous experience is less important than a commitment to our mission (to help people build stronger communities where people are less likely to experience crime), alignment with our values, and the ability to work collegially as part of a team. We are seeking to strengthen skills available to the board in the areas of financial oversight, strategy development, marketing and income generation and also welcome applications from people regardless of background or professional discipline who can contribute to discussions on future opportunities and challenges for Neighbourhood Watch. These include the changing policy environment around policing and crime, the importance of tackling anti-social behaviour, hate crimes and violence against women and girls, and the rapidly evolving digital and online landscape. Details of how to apply for a trustee role, or to request an informal chat to find out more about it, are on the Charity Jobs website at Trustee volunteer roles in the community development sector | CharityJob Please submit your application by 18th April 2024. Message Sent By: Cheryl Spruce (NWN, Head of Membership & Community Engagement, England and Wales) March 19, 2025 Police and Crime Commissioner funding to help communities tackle Anti-Social Behaviour Dorset’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) is calling for community groups to apply for PCC funding aimed at helping to reduce anti-social behaviour in Dorset to even lower levels. Dorset PCC David Sidwick’s Operation Relentless Community Fund was established in 2021 to empower communities and help reduce incidents of anti-social behaviour (ASB). Now, the latest round of funding is being launched, with community groups encouraged to apply for grants between £100 and £5,000 to help make their communities safer places to live. Since the Operation Relentless Community Fund began, £150,700 has been awarded to community groups for 35 initiatives which reduce ASB or increase feelings of public safety. Projects which have been successful previously include community outreach work, employment skills workshops and sports activities, as well as sessions in primary schools to educate pupils about the dangers of county lines. Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick said: “Anti-social behaviour in Dorset is currently at its lowest level since 2007-08, and in the last year alone has fallen by 12%, and I am determined it stays that way. Alongside the hard work carried out by Dorset Police in tackling this behaviour, we know this initiative makes a difference as the public have told us so. “That’s why I am so pleased to be launching round five of the Operation Relentless Community Fund to ensure these low levels remain low and communities can be free of the detrimental impact this behaviour has. “My Office works hard to make a positive difference to the people of Dorset and this fund is just one of the tools at our disposal to help make our county safer. I am proud of the results we have seen so far and determined to see this continue. “If you are a charity or local organisation and fit the criteria, I encourage you to apply for funding. Together we can continue to drive down ASB offences and make a positive difference to where we all live and work.” Applications are open until Friday 2 May, for grants between £100 and £5000. Find out more on how to apply to the fund here. David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Message Sent By: Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Witness and dashcam appeal following incident involving cyclist in Christchurch Officers are appealing for witnesses or motorists with dashcams to come forward following an incident involving a cyclist in Christchurch. At 12.46pm on Thursday 14 March 2025, Dorset Police received a report from the ambulance service requesting assistance as they treated a male cyclist in need of medical attention on the eastbound carriageway of the A35 Christchurch bypass, between the Purewell Cross and Somerford roundabouts. Officers attended and a road closure was put in place to allow emergency services to safely deal with the incident. The cyclist – a local man aged in his 50s – was taken to hospital for treatment to serious injuries. Police Constable Calum Maton, of the Roads Policing Team, said: “We are carrying out enquiries into this incident to establish the full circumstances of what happened and how the cyclist came to sustain his injury. “I would like to hear from any motorists driving in the area who may have captured dashcam footage of what occurred. “Road closures were put in place to allow the emergency services to respond to this incident and I would like to thank members of the public for their patience and understanding during this time.” Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email at scit@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55250036495. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111. Message Sent By: Media and Communications --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Do you know the signs of child exploitation? To mark National Child Exploitation Awareness Day, we are highlighting the role members of the community have to play in raising concerns to police so they can investigate and young people can be safeguarded. Tackling both child sexual exploitation and child criminal exploitation, where young people are recruited by criminal gangs to carry out illegal activity on their behalf, remains a key priority for Dorset Police and it is working with local partners to tackle these issues. The Force has developed advice and guidance, which will be rolled out to key sectors that can help to spot the signs of exploitation, such as hotels, taxi companies and licensed premises. Detective Chief Inspector Andy Bell, of the BCP Safeguarding Hub, said: “We all have a part to play in protecting young people from child exploitation by reporting any concerns you have that someone is potentially being exploited. “When we receive information, we are absolutely committed to ensuring we carry out a detailed investigation and work with our partners to ensure any young people involved are supported and safeguarded where appropriate. “We are also determined to ensure any perpetrators are held to account for their offending and we will use all tools at our disposal to prevent them from targeting vulnerable people in the future.” Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “The perpetrators of these heinous crimes have no scruples, no conscience, no care toward those they target, exploit and harm and so it is vital that we do all we can to ensure we protect those who should be shielded from such behaviours - the young and vulnerable.” “Protecting vulnerable people is a key part of policing, with early intervention and education crucial in tackling these terrible offences.” For more information on the signs of child criminal exploitation visit www.dorset.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/caa/child-abuse/child-criminal-exploitation. For signs to look out for in relation to child sexual exploitation visit www.dorset.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/caa/child-abuse/child-sexual-exploitation. Anyone with information relating to suspected child exploitation can report it online via www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111. If a crime is in progress or a child is in danger, always dial 999. Message Sent By: Media and Communications -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Over 35,000 account hackings reported in 2024. What can you do to protect yourself from holiday fraud? Protect your online accounts from hackers and enable 2SV: Action Fraud issue new warning about social media and email account hacking as new data is revealed. This year Action Fraud and Meta are encouraging the public to protect their social media and email accounts as data shows there were more than 35,000 reports made last year. Data shows there was a rise of social media and email account hacking reported in 2024, with a total of 35,434 reports made to Action Fraud, compared to 22,530 reports made in 2023. Action Fraud, the national fraud and cybercrime reporting service, has launched a campaign, supported by Meta, to encourage people to take an extra step of online protection by enabling 2-Step Verification for each online account they have. The warning comes as reporting shows nearly £1 million was lost to hackers last year. The most common motives for social media hacking were either investment fraud, ticket fraud or theft of the targeted account, reporting insights revealed. Adam Mercer, Deputy Director of Action Fraud, said: “As social media and email account hacking remains the most reported cybercrime this year, this Action Fraud campaign marks a critical issue for everyone who has online accounts. That’s why we’re raising awareness of the ways people can protect themselves online. “Follow Stop! Think Fraud advice and protect yourself online: enable 2-Step Verification on each online account you have – this will help prove your identity and stop fraudsters trying to steal or access your valuable information. Secure your social media and email accounts by ensuring each password is strong and uses three random words. Remember to never share your passwords with anyone else.” David Agranovich, Security Policy Director, Meta, said: “Scammers are relentless and continuously evolving their tactics to try and evade detection, which is why we’re constantly working on new ways to keep people safe while keeping bad actors out. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is one crucial example of how people can add an extra layer of security to their Meta accounts, to help reduce the risk of scammers accessing your accounts. We’ve also started rolling out facial recognition technology to help people get back into compromised or hacked accounts and are always working on new ways to stay ahead of scammers.” In the reports made to Action Fraud, there were various different methods of hacking highlighted, these include: On-platform chain hacking This is when a fraudster gains control of an account and begins to impersonate the legitimate owner. The goal is to convince people to reveal authentication codes, including one-time passcodes, that are sent to them via text. Many victims of this type of hacking believe it’s a friend messaging them, however the shared code was associated with their own account and the impersonator can now use it to access their account. Usually when an account is taken over, fraudsters monetise control of the account via the promotion of various fraudulent schemes, like fake tickets or crypto investment schemes, while impersonating the original account owner. Leaked passwords and phishing The other common method of hacking is when account details are gained via phishing scams, or the use of leaked information used from data breaches, such as leaked passwords. This becomes prevalent as people often use the same password for multiple accounts, so a leaked password from one website can leave many of their online accounts vulnerable to hacking. What can you do to avoid being a victim? 2-step verification (2SV) will keep criminals out of your account – even if they know your password. Turning on 2SV gives your most important accounts an extra level of protection, especially your email and social media accounts. It can be turned on in a matter of minutes – time well spent to keep the fraudsters out. Find out how to enable it here. Email and social media passwords should be strong and different to all of your other passwords. A good way to make sure your passwords are ‘long enough and strong enough’ is to combine three random words to create a unique password which is easy to remember. Find out more here. Report suspicious emails by forwarding it to: report@phishing.gov.uk Find out how to protect yourself from fraud: https://stopthinkfraud.campaign.gov.uk If you’ve lost money or provided your financial information to someone, notify your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101. (If you found this information useful, please share it with friends, family and colleagues) Message Sent By: Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National) March 15, 2025 Ensuring help is in place for domestic abuse victims Last week was No More Week, a campaign dedicated to raising awareness of domestic abuse and sexual violence. In my newsletters, I highlighted the work Dorset Police are doing to tackle these awful offences (you can read here) and featured a new campaign from one of our commissioned partners, STARS Dorset. Today, I want to highlight the services commissioned by my Office, and how they help to provide high quality support for victims in Dorset. Domestic abuse is a devastating crime that can ruin lives. These terrible offences are so often hidden, and in some cases, victims may not even realise what they’re experiencing is abuse, particularly as not all domestic abuse is physical - it can be psychological, emotional or financial. Dorset Police take these offences seriously and have been making improvements in their service to safeguard victims and identify high-risk indicators. Tackling domestic abuse and providing quality support for victims is a key part of my Police and Crime Plan. At the heart of this priority to Fight Violent Crime and High Harm is ensuring we listen to the voices of victims. I am absolutely committed to this and will continue to draw upon national best practice while lobbying for more funding to enable Dorset Police to further improve their work identifying and targeting the most prolific and harmful offenders. Through ensuring we are listening to the victims’ voice and making reporting easier, victims will always be at the centre of all we do. Alongside the ongoing collaboration with other statutory partners in the commissioning of victim services, I want to highlight some of the initiatives and services funded through my Office to ensure victims have quality tailored support. One of these is the Maple Project, a service for high-risk victims of domestic abuse. Part of the funding for the Maple Project includes dedicated Independent Domestic Violence Advocates (IDVAs) for victims including children and young people. The role of an IDVA is varied and multifaceted, providing emotional and practical advice and guidance to support victims and help them become and remain safe. They empower victims to make positive safe choices and liaise with professionals on a victim’s behalf, where needed. This support can also extend to the court process and can also include helping victims to access safe accommodation alongside advocating on the victim’s behalf. I also commission The You Trust who provide an IDVA to be based in health settings to deliver support and outreach services. Through The You Trust, a specialist domestic violence counsellor is also funded to ensure victims have can have access to counselling. My Office also commissions BCHA to provide a complex needs hybrid domestic abuse worker. This role is a combination of an IDVA and an ISVA (Independent Sexual Violence Advisor) and supports those in BCHA spaces who are dealing with domestic abuse and sexual violence. Through Victim Support I also commission a full-time children and young person specialist domestic abuse early intervention practitioner. This caseworker provides trauma informed support for children and young people who have experienced domestic abuse. Of course, this terrible offence affects both men and women, and I commission Mankind to provide a survivor recovery programme for men in Dorset. Called Acorn, it helps men who have recovered from domestic abuse put their lives back together. You can read more here. Alongside these services, I also want to highlight a Dorset project I wholeheartedly support. The Dragonfly Project, which is run by Paragon, develops community-based support for people affected by domestic abuse. Dragonfly Champions are trained to provide a listening ear and a link to specialist agencies so victims who may be isolated can access help. Anybody living or working in Dorset can become a Dragonfly Champion, which will ensure you’re able to properly help signpost a victim of domestic abuse to the right services should you need to. I believe this is such an important service, and I am proud that all the OPCC team will soon be trained to become Dragonfly Champions. As Police and Crime Commissioner, I know how vital it is for the right services to be in place to help victims of domestic abuse. I have spoken to victims about the terrible impact these offences have had on them, and I pledge to ensure professional and specialist support continues to be available. I will do whatever I can to enable victims in Dorset to have the confidence to come forward and know they will be believed, and ensure the right people are in the right place to take care of them and help them feel safe. David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Message Sent By: Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner March 10, 2025 Shifting the narrative with STARS Dorset Today, as part of No More week, which aims to raise awareness of domestic and sexual violence, I want to highlight a new campaign from one of our valuable commissioned services, STARS Dorset. STARS (Sexual Trauma and Recovery Services) is a Dorset charity which offers one to one support, free of charge, for anyone of any age or gender who has a Dorset address and has experienced any form of sexual violence at any time in their life. The work that STARS carries out as part of the commission from my Office is vital to ensuring survivors of sexual violence in Dorset have access to emotional and practical support. Their latest campaign #seemeforwhoIam focuses on the victim, seeking to shift the narrative away from victim blaming. Stephanie Lee, Engagement Team Leader at STARS Dorset explained: “Our new initiative highlights the connection between a person and the experience of sexual violence. “It tackles the negative stereotypes; the repeated tropes on what victims might have been wearing, that they somehow invited the behaviour or were drunk for instance; stereotypes which actively harms victims and how society sees them. “With this initiative we are focusing on encouraging more people to talk about sexual violence, in order to show the realities of it. We want people to realise that sexual violence is not just someone else’s problem, it could happen to anyone. “By challenging the assumptions people often make about victims, we want to ensure people instead focus on the person behind the experience. We want them to be seen as real people, with real lives. “#seemeforwhoIam is a powerful reminder to all survivors that they remain more than what happened to them. Through sharing stories, encouraging open conversations and challenging the harmful myths we know still exist, I know we can make a difference to people in Dorset.” Thank you, Stephanie. This is an important campaign from STARS and one which I hope will help victims feel more comfortable in coming forward for professional support, knowing they will be believed. I look forward to seeing how it progresses and develops, and I hope it enables more survivors to open up about their experiences. Over the next few months, I will be talking about the work that is happening across Dorset to tackle the concerns you have raised with me since I became PCC. We will take an in-depth look at the work my Office and our commissioned partners are doing in relation to issues such as Violence Against Women and Girls, Sexual Assault, Knife Crime and Violence. It is important to me as your representative in policing to show all that we are doing in Dorset to support our residents. Whether that is drug education and prevention initiatives or an insight into the victim services we commission like STARS and The Shores, we will be putting the spotlight on the crucial work happening in our county, as I continue to my mission to make Dorset an even safer place to live, work and visit. David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Message Sent By: Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Fly-tipping fines increase by 78% thanks to joint funding initiative between Dorset Council and OPCC The number of Fixed Penalty Notices for fly-tipping in Dorset has increased by more than three-quarters in the last year. Due to the hard work of Dorset Council’s Environmental Enforcement team which has been bolstered by the introduction of a jointly funded Enforcement Officer post by the Council and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, more people have found out the hard way about the cost of committing waste crime. Local authorities and the Environment Agency are responsible for investigating and enforcing the laws around fly-tipping and Dorset Council have, since the new post was introduced last April, seen a considerable increase in positive results. The number of fixed penalty notices issued for waste crime has increased by 78%, there has also been a 11% increase in vehicles linked to waste crime being seized, a 43% jump in fines for commercial waste tips and a 600% increase in fines for household fly-tipping. In total, 53 fines totalling £16,500 have been issued in 2024/25 across the Dorset Council area. Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset, David Sidwick said: “I know how much fly-tipping affects landowners and how the people of Dorset hate to see our countryside being abused in this way and that’s why funding this post has been so important. “Fighting waste crime criminals requires close partnership working, and I’m immensely proud of the relationship formed between my office and Dorset Council, and between all the members of the Dorset Partnership Against Rural Crime. “I am delighted with the success of the new joint funded post and happy to say that funding for the post will continue for another year. My thanks goes to Dorset Council and the Environmental Enforcement team for all their hard work.” Councillor Gill Taylor, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Housing, said: “We are proud to work with the OPCC on tackling fly-tipping, with our officers out every day around Dorset investigating reports and trying to catch the criminals responsible. Fly-tipping is a blight on our county, a drain on taxpayers’ money and we all have a duty to prevent it. “We will always pursue all avenues to hold offenders to account, so please report fly-tips to us when you spot them and check out www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/scrap for more information on how to make sure you are covered when handing waste to someone else.” Message Sent By: Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner March 7, 2025 'You will be believed': Our message to mark No More Week This newsletter is the second part of my look at the new Crime and Policing Bill, which was introduced last week, and how it correlates to the work already taking place in Dors David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner If you are experiencing domestic abuse you can reach out to Dorset Police. If you’re in danger call 999. For non emergencies, report via www.dorset.police.uk, call 101 or visit www.dorset.police.uk/abuse-help for more information. Support services available include the following: • National Domestic Abuse Helpline (24 hrs) 0808 2000 247 • Victim Support 0300 3030 163 • Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Domestic Abuse Referrals & Support Line: 01202 710 777 • Dorset (Paragon) 0800 032 5204 • Mankind Initiative 01823 334244 • National Men’s Advice Line (Respect) 0808 8010327 • Waterlily Project 01202 246763 • STARS 01202 308840 • Paladin (Stalking) 020 3866 4107 • The Shores 0800 970 9954 • NCDV for support with Non Molestation/Occupation/Prohibited Steps orders 0800 970 2070 Message Sent By: Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Fly-tipping fines increase by 78% thanks to joint funding initiative between Dorset Council and OPCC The number of Fixed Penalty Notices for fly-tipping in Dorset has increased by more than three-quarters in the last year. Due to the hard work of Dorset Council’s Environmental Enforcement team which has been bolstered by the introduction of a jointly funded Enforcement Officer post by the Council and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, more people have found out the hard way about the cost of committing waste crime. Local authorities and the Environment Agency are responsible for investigating and enforcing the laws around fly-tipping and Dorset Council have, since the new post was introduced last April, seen a considerable increase in positive results. The number of fixed penalty notices issued for waste crime has increased by 78%, there has also been a 11% increase in vehicles linked to waste crime being seized, a 43% jump in fines for commercial waste tips and a 600% increase in fines for household fly-tipping. In total, 53 fines totalling £16,500 have been issued in 2024/25 across the Dorset Council area. Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset, David Sidwick said: “I know how much fly-tipping affects landowners and how the people of Dorset hate to see our countryside being abused in this way and that’s why funding this post has been so important. “Fighting waste crime criminals requires close partnership working, and I’m immensely proud of the relationship formed between my office and Dorset Council, and between all the members of the Dorset Partnership Against Rural Crime. “I am delighted with the success of the new joint funded post and happy to say that funding for the post will continue for another year. My thanks goes to Dorset Council and the Environmental Enforcement team for all their hard work.” Councillor Gill Taylor, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Housing, said: “We are proud to work with the OPCC on tackling fly-tipping, with our officers out every day around Dorset investigating reports and trying to catch the criminals responsible. Fly-tipping is a blight on our county, a drain on taxpayers’ money and we all have a duty to prevent it. “We will always pursue all avenues to hold offenders to account, so please report fly-tips to us when you spot them and check out www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/scrap for more information on how to make sure you are covered when handing waste to someone else.” Message Sent By: Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- South West forces target suspected cannabis production by organised criminal networks Dorset Police has joined colleagues from across the South West in a major crackdown on suspected large-scale cannabis cultivation and other drug supply networks. The latest phase of Operation Scorpion saw more than 30 warrants executed across the region, and 36 people arrested. During the intensification period, which ran from Monday 17 February 2025, there were also 2,240 suspected cannabis plants discovered and destroyed and £57,335 cash was recovered. In Dorset seven warrants were executed, leading to 12 arrests. An estimated 1.5kg of suspected cannabis was seized as well as 400 grams of suspected cocaine and 600 grams of suspected ketamine. Cash totalling £35,000 was seized and weapons recovered included two zombie knives, two further large knives and an air pistol. Assistant Chief Constable Mark Callaghan, of Dorset Police, said: “We remain committed to taking positive action in response to concerns from our communities in relation to suspected drug related activity. “By working collaboratively with our regional partners, it gives us the best possible chance of disrupting suspected criminal networks which operate across our Force areas. “Key to all of this is the intelligence we receive from our residents, and we would continue to urge any members of our community with information relating to suspected drug related activity to please report it to us.” Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “I was pleased to join Dorset Police officers during this period of targeted action and witness first-hand the great work they continually do to keep our county safe from the dangers caused by illegal drugs. “Results like these demonstrate the importance of community intelligence in our battle against the harm of illegal drugs. Without reports from the public, telling us what they’re seeing and hearing, outcomes like those seen during this latest phase of Operation Scorpion would not be possible.” If you suspect illegal drug activity is happening where you live, please report to the police. Call 101 or report online at www.dorset.police.uk. If anyone is in immediate danger call 999. If you wish to remain completely anonymous you can use Crimestoppers, an independent charity, by reporting online at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/ or by calling 0800 555 111. Message Sent By: Media and Communications March 6, 2025 Crime and Policing Bill: what’s already happening in Dorset - Part 2 This newsletter is the second part of my look at the new Crime and Policing Bill, which was introduced last week, and how it correlates to the work already taking place in Dorset. Today’s focus is on Violence Against Women and Girls and child criminal exploitation, both highly important subjects, dealing with vulnerability and safeguarding. Read the first part of the newsletter here if you missed it: Crime and Policing Bill: what's already happening in Dorset - part one Violence Against Women and Girls What the bill includes: - Allowing more Stalking Protection Orders to be made - Victims of stalking given the right to know the identity of their perpetrator. - Guidance issued to agencies on combatting stalking Without question, tackling Violence Against Women and Girls is vital. In Dorset, a substantial amount of work is taking place to ensure our county is a safe place to be, and I am dedicated to working with not just Dorset Police and our key partners, but any group that wants to help improve this. As part of my role in scrutinising the work of Dorset Police, I have set-up a VAWG Scrutiny Panel which reviews the handling of public contact relating to VAWG cases such as rape, stalking and domestic abuse to ensure these reports are being handled appropriately. This is alongside RASSO scrutiny panels to ensure investigation standards and victim service is maintained, and I have also commissioned vital victim services including Victim Support, The Shores – Dorset Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), and STARS Dorset to ensure high quality care for all victims of these distressing crimes. My Office also brought in two years of Safer Streets funding for local authorities to fund further schemes dedicated to tackling VAWG through prevention and education. Our work will continue relentlessly, working with partners and the public to make it safer for women and girls. We need a wholesale change across society to tackle the deep issues which lead to so many men committing crimes against women but through the work we are already doing and have planned, I have confidence we can make many in-roads into getting to the root of this behaviour. Child criminal exploitation and cuckooing What the bill includes: - New standalone offence to prosecute adults committing child criminal exploitation. - New criminal offence to tackle cuckooing – a practice where criminals take control of the home of another person to use for criminal activity. Solving crime is not just about robust enforcement, it’s about protecting vulnerable people. Alongside the vital work Dorset Police carries out with partners to safeguard vulnerable people, I support services to provide vital education on issues such as child criminal exploitation. Through this work, I have learnt how devastating this can be, not just for the victim themselves, but for their families and those who know them. In Dorset, under the Police and Crime Plan priority to Fight Violent Crime and High Harm, my Office works closely with Escapeline, an important charity who help children to stay safe by educating them about how child exploitation and grooming happens, while also teaching them protective strategies. While robust enforcement for perpetrators is vital, I would urge the Government to look further at funding more education and prevention in this area as well as drug education. I know from my work with Escapeline that once a young person gets pulled in by these criminal gangs, often linked to county lines, it is very difficult to get them out. This is why education is so vital and could make a crucial difference in preventing some of our young people being harmed by these criminal networks. Alongside Dorset Police, I will continue to work with experts and professionals, as well as our partners here and across the south west to tackle these offences. We will not tolerate those intent on bringing harm to our communities and exploiting our vulnerable citizens. - You can find out more here: Knowing the signs of child criminal exploitation ___________________________________ While I welcome new measures to protect vulnerable people in our communities, I am disappointed this Bill does little to address the dangers illegal drugs inflict on our communities; it is a clear missed opportunity. Within the Crime and Policing Bill, there is just one measure directly linked to illegal drugs, and that is to expand police powers for drug testing on arrest. While I am by no means opposed to this measure – it is welcome – much more is needed to tackle the challenges we face. This is not just in the conversations and legislation required from those in power, but in the resources needed to effectively deal with all the problems illegal drugs cause. Without properly addressing this issue, progress could be limited on other offences we know are linked to illegal drugs including knife crime, shoplifting and theft. It is time for the government to get serious about dealing with illegal drugs in our society. Without much-needed honest conversations about what is required, coupled with real investment for prevention and policing, then all other measures will only go so far. A start has been made with last year’s law change on Nitrous Oxide, and on the ongoing review to make ketamine a Class A substance, but the dangers of other illegal gateway drugs remain clear and present in my opinion, and this is where we need to start if we are to protect our communities now and in the future. David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Message Sent By: Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Force highlights support for domestic abuse victims Victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence to seek help as officers continue efforts to offer support and tackle perpetrators. No More Week, which runs from Sunday 2 March to Saturday 8 March 2025, encourages people to come together and raise awareness around domestic abuse and sexual violence. Dorset Police continues to work with partners to tackle these issues as a priority and recent work has seen an improvement in detection rates and the number of cases resulting in a criminal justice outcome. The Force’s efforts are also resulting in more high-risk domestic abuse offenders being arrested and an increase in the use of additional tools such as civil orders to protect those most at risk of domestic abuse. Chief Superintendent Julie Howe, Force lead for domestic abuse, said: “Domestic abuse and sexual violence are among the top priorities for the Force. We continue to work in collaboration with our partners to ensure victims of abuse feel comfortable in reporting offences in the knowledge that they will be fully supported and treated with dignity and respect. “We will also continue to do everything in our power to ensure offenders are held to account and all available measures are used to protect victims from further harm." Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “Domestic abuse and sexual violence are appalling and destructive crimes, which have a horrific impact on victims. “Through commissioning vital services, providing funding for specialist agencies to help and support victims in Dorset and holding the Force to account, I will continue to do all in my power to ensure victims voices are heard, and that they feel confident they will be believed.” If you are experiencing domestic abuse you can reach out to Dorset Police and, whoever you are and whatever the circumstances, we will listen. There are national and local organisations who can help you take the first step in reporting as well. If you’re in danger call 999. For non emergencies, report via www.dorset.police.uk, call 101 or visit www.dorset.police.uk/abuse-help for more information. Support services available include the following: • National Domestic Abuse Helpline (24 hrs) 0808 2000 247 • Victim Support 0300 3030 163 • Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Domestic Abuse Referrals & Support Line: 01202 710 777 • Dorset (Paragon) 0800 032 5204 • Mankind Initiative 01823 334244 • National Men’s Advice Line (Respect) 0808 8010327 • Waterlily Project 01202 246763 • STARS 01202 308840 • Paladin (Stalking) 020 3866 4107 • The Shores 0800 970 9954 • NCDV for support with Non Molestation/Occupation/Prohibited Steps orders 0800 970 2070 Read our full news release here: https://news.dorset.police.uk/news-article/73c1c9be-3cf8-ef11-9d75-6045bdd24049 Message Sent By: Media and Communications ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ How to protect yourself from 99% of Cyber fraud Two Step Verification (2SV) also known as Two Factor Authentication (2FA) Did you know that Microsoft reported that 99.9% of all account compromise attacks could be prevented by using 2SV. Google found that 2SV blocks 99% of automated attacks, 96% of phishing attacks and 76% of targeted attacks. Follow the steps below to put your self in the 99.9% Remember to report all fraud to Action Fraud online or call 0300 123 2040 Message Sent By: Damian Cranny (Dorset Police, Fraud Protect Officer, Dorset March 1, 2025 Crime and Policing Bill: what’s already happening in Dorset This week, a major piece of legislation was introduced by government – the Crime and Policing Bill. While much of the detail continues to be analysed and assessed, I want to highlight just some of the measures which are in direct alignment with my Police and Crime Plan. This plan is based on the policing priorities which you, the public, told me you wanted to see tackled in Dorset. Progress is being made across all areas of this plan, which you can view further here, and I await with interest to see how this new bill can help us as we continue delivering upon our commitments to the people of Dorset. Anti-social behaviour _ What the bill includes: - A new Respect Order. - New powers to seize vehicles used to cause anti-social behaviour. - Extension of dispersal order time period. - Higher fines for breaches of ASB orders. I know anti-social behaviour is an ongoing concern for the public, which is why it is a key priority in my Police and Crime Plan. Through Force-led operations such as Operation Relentless, Op Track which targets anti-social behaviour and violent crime through hotspot policing and 100 Days of Summer to name just a few, as well as my Operation Relentless Community Fund which aims to reduce ASB and increase feelings of safety in the community, Dorset Police and my Office are wholly committed to tackling these harmful offences. These initiatives, as well as the work we are doing in Dorset alongside our partners, are working with anti-social behaviour falling to its lowest level since 2007/8, dropping 12% in the past year alone. I welcome initiatives which will help Police to tackle these offences, as I know the harm ASB causes to individuals and communities. It is vital ASB is taken seriously, and police are given the powers to tackle it robustly, providing vital relief to those affected. That’s why I hope these new initiatives will complement what we know already is working in Dorset and allows officers to be even more efficient in combatting ASB and dealing with the perpetrators effectively. Knife crime -What the bill includes: - Police powers to seize knives held in private which they suspect could be used in unlawful violence. - Increase penalties for those possession, manufacturing, selling or supplying prohibited offensive weapons. - New offence of possession of a knife or weapon in public or private with intent to use unlawful violence. While Dorset has low rates of knife crime, tackling knife crime and reducing violence is a key priority for me and my team. While I welcome initiatives which help to get more knives off the streets and out of the hands of dangerous individuals, I believe we need to go much further to turn the tide. That’s why I have been lobbying for funding for a Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) in Dorset for the past few years. While robust enforcement is part of the solution, it is not down to policing alone to solve this issue. This is where early intervention is key, something a VRU would allow even more of in Dorset, formally bringing together partner agencies including local authorities, health and education sectors to commission services to prevent serious violence. I am dedicated to this, and that’s why my Office’s Violence Reduction and Prevention Team are already laying the groundwork, collaborating with partners to ensure interventions and diversions, and identifying those most at risk so adequate safeguards can be put in place. I want to have these interventions in place to prevent knife crime becoming more of a problem in Dorset, not wait until it does, and I will not give up on my mission to fund this properly. Yes, enforcement is important, but strong partnerships and the proper resources to tackle knife crime at the earliest opportunity are equally, if not more, important if we are to grip this issue fully. _____________________________ This rundown is a broad look at two of the important subjects covered in this Bill, and how they correspond to the Police and Crime Plan in Dorset. I am wholly committed to ensuring the people of Dorset are kept safe, and victims of crime are supported in the best ways possible. And while I applaud any initiatives which enable more dangerous criminals to be brought to justice and helps more victims to be supported, it is important to note that this cannot be done by policing alone or without additional funding to ensure the Force’s challenging financial situation is not further impacted. I will continue to do my utmost to ensure Dorset Police ‘Makes Every Penny Count’ including lobbying our MPs and those in power to ensure Dorset is funded properly and can continue to be a safe place for those who live, work and visit our wonderful county. David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner - Annual Reports – Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner - Crime and Policing Bill 2025: factsheets - GOV.UK Message Sent By: Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner February 27, 2025 Support available for victims of sexual offences Victims of sexual offences are being urged to seek out help and support. Dorset Police is supporting partners to raise awareness of the 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line as well as The Shores sexual assault referral centre (SARC). Detective Superintendent Neil Wright, Force lead for Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO) and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), said: “We would always encourage all victims of sexual offences to feel confident reporting matters to police in the knowledge they will be listened to, treated with respect and the matter will be thoroughly investigated. “However, we fully recognise there may be instances where people will not feel able to report directly to police and we want to highlight other agencies that are on hand provide invaluable support, expertise and advice." Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “I understand that asking for help and support can be incredibly difficult for victims. “I commission and provide funding for The Shores, STARS Dorset and Victim Support – all vital organisations delivering expert care and compassionate support to people in Dorset during their most vulnerable moments. “I urge anyone who is a victim of a sexual offence to seek help – there are people waiting to support you.” The Ministry of Justice has been supporting Rape Crisis England & Wales to raise awareness of the free help available through the 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support line. The service provides victims aged 16 and over with a free, confidential emotional support and listening service. Victims can call 0808 500 222 or visit www.247sexualabusesupport.org.uk to chat online or find out more. We are also supporting the NHS in its campaign to raise awareness of sexual assault referral centres. The Shores, Dorset’s SARC, is a 24/7 service that offers people of all ages and walks of life free, specialist care and support. Anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted or abused at any time in their life can access the service. To contact The Shores visit www.the-shores.org.uk or call 0800 970 9954. Further support is also available from the charity STARS (Sexual Trauma and Recovery Service) at www.starsdorset.org or from Victim Support on 0300 3030 163. Message Sent By: Harry Hogger (Dorset Police, Media Officer, Dorset) February 25, 2025 Protect yourself from Holiday fraud: don’t let fraudsters trip you up this summer. People looking to snap up online holiday deals ahead of the summer are being warned to stay extra alert and do their research before booking their getaways, as new data reveals victims lost a total of over £11 million to holiday fraud last year. Action Fraud, the national fraud and cybercrime reporting service, has launched a holiday fraud campaign, urging the public who are looking to snap up their next holiday deals online to look out for suspiciously enticing offers online, including on social media, and do their research before booking their getaways. New data shows there were 6,066 reports of holiday fraud made to Action Fraud last year, with July recorded as the highest month of reporting with 647 reports. Holiday makers lost a combined total of £11,183,957 in 2024, which is comparatively less than the £12.3 million lost in 2023. Despite, the drop in reported loss, the average loss per victim remains at similar levels, with £1,851 the average in 2023 and £1,844 in 2024. What can you do to protect yourself from holiday fraud? Check the travel company is legitimate: about to book a holiday? Do some research first to check that the company is legitimate, especially if you haven’t used them before. Use consumer websites, or reviews from people (or organisations) that you trust. Look for the logos: look for the ABTA, ABTOT or ATOL logos on the company’s website. If you’re unsure, you can use the links below to verify membership: ABTA - https://www.abta.com ABTOT - https://www.abtot.com/abtot-members-directory/ ATOL - https://www.atol.org Use a credit card to pay: use a credit card for payments (if you have one). Many of these protect online purchases as part of the Consumer Credit Act. Only provide required details at checkout: when making your payment, only fill in the mandatory details (often marked with an asterisk) such as your address. Unless you think you’ll become a regular customer, don't create an account for the store. Keep your accounts secure: create a strong and unique password for your email. If 2-step verification is available, always enable it. Watch out for suspicious links: whether it’s in an email or social media post, be wary of promotions for unbelievably good holiday offers. If you receive a suspicious email, report it by forwarding it to: report@phishing.gov.uk Find out how to protect yourself from fraud: https://stopthinkfraud.campaign.gov.uk If you’ve lost money or provided your financial information to someone, notify your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101. (If you found this information useful, please share it with friends, family and colleagues) Message Sent By: Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National) February 14, 2025 Vigilance around online dating on Valentine's Day with new safety campaign Over the next couple of months, I will be taking a closer look at the areas of crime that most concern you - the people of Dorset. Over the past 3 years, I have held a number of surveys, and they all contain the same question on what types of crime most concerns you. One of the consistent responses centres on a raft of criminal activity that includes, Violence Against Women and Girls, Sexual Assault, Rape, Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Coercive Control. With those concerns in mind, this week, in light of it being Valentines Day this Friday, I would like to help raise awareness and get people talking about Romance Fraud. A pernicious crime that strikes at the very heart of those seeking out new relationships. There were 517 reports of dating scams in Dorset during the four years up to December, with 115 of those occurring in 2024. Fraud is a scourge not visibly seen yet affects thousands across the country from which Dorset is no exception. Nationally, 40% of all crimes are fraud related and 80% of victims do not report to the police. Last year, figures suggested almost £92 million was lost nationally to this type of fraud. I want to now pass over to the lead Fraud Protection Officer within Dorset Police, Damian Cranny, to tell you about a new Community Safety Initiative called Dorset’s Big Night In: The Big Night In aims to spread vital safety messages about online dating and protecting vulnerable individuals. We want to keep on spreading the word far and wide about Romance Fraud. Romance fraud affects men and women of all ages and there has also been a large increase in men as young as 14 reporting being sextorted to Revenge Porn Helpline. Not only does this fraud effect people financially, but it also affects their mental health. I want to reassure people that it is more common than many think, and they should not feel gullible or stupid. Romance fraudsters target people of all genders, as well as the LGBTQ+ community. It affects young and old alike. By taking part in Dorset’s Big Night In, you can learn how to spot signs of romance fraud and find out how to report fraudsters, to help prevent more people falling victim to scams. On Friday 14 February and over the weekend, we are encouraging people to get together with friends or family and use the ‘Romance Fraud Big Night In’ pack. It includes detailed guidance about online dating safety, real world case studies, practical reporting mechanisms and support resources for vulnerable individuals. The aim is to better understand online dating safety in a relaxed and fun environment, learn how to report romance fraud, support each other and ultimately, disrupt criminals. Please encourage your social circles to get involved and even if you are not online dating, you can support someone you know who currently is. While online dating can be a wonderful way to find connection, it's essential to remain vigilant. Remember, true love does not ask for your bank details or avoid meeting in person. Stay safe, stay informed, and may your search for love be rewarding and secure. You can download the Big Night In pack and get all the details here. A big thanks to Damian for an insightful piece about the dangers posed by online romance and the positive initiative taking place later this week. If you can, please do take part and help make this campaign go viral - a simple social media post can encourage others to participate, view the important content and may just make huge difference to residents across our county. Lastly, I want to remind residents how crucial it is to report fraud whether recent or historical so it can be properly investigated. Intelligence gathering is crucial in building a bigger picture and tracking down the heinous individuals committing these crimes. So please do come forward, and report fraud and get the help and support that is waiting for you. David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Message Sent By: Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner February 12, 2025 Statement on Poole Bus Station Last week I met with the MP for Poole, Neil Duncan-Jordan following his request to discuss Poole Bus Station. As I have previously stated, I am always happy to talk about how we can all work to make our communities safer, and I welcome the opportunity to discuss issues of genuine concern. As elected representatives it is imperative we share the concerns of the public in order to resolve and respond wherever possible. Over the years, Poole Bus Station has been a focus for Dorset Police and our partners, who have worked collaboratively and intensively to tackle issues including anti-social behaviour. I am pleased to say that in the past three years the number of incidents and the severity of these incidents have reduced significantly. In 2022, the total number of reported incidents at the bus station were 214. Last year, this dropped to 87, with efforts focused on reducing this even further. The local Neighbourhood Policing Team have been effective in tackling issues which arise, in partnership with the local authority and other agencies, and this joint work is having a positive impact. From the challenges faced at this location in 2019 through to the present day, significant improvements have taken place including physical changes to the site and extra CCTV – both part of a raft of recommendations implemented following advice from Dorset Police’s Crime Prevention Design Advisor. I want to reassure the public that work will continue to ensure this location is safe for everyone. As Dorset’s Police and Crime Commissioner, I am determined to ensure that communities across our county are not only safe – but that residents feel safe. I take nothing away from the concerns of the public when serious incidents occur however, and I know feeling safe is much more than just seeing a reduction in crime statistics. While these numbers are important to sort the facts from the perception, there is always more we can do to demonstrate the difference we are making – and we will. Tackling anti-social behaviour is a key priority in my Police and Crime Plan, with levels of ASB in Dorset currently at their lowest since 2007/08. That’s why I want to urge people to report any issues they have seen or have experienced directly to Dorset Police on 101, or via the Dorset Police website. The information you provide to us can be vital and bring about further positive action and solutions. I want to see these levels continue to drop, but we need your intelligence to do that. Together, we can continue to make a difference and show those intent on causing disruption and fear that we will not tolerate their behaviour. David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Message Sent By: Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Join Dorset's Biggest Night In - A Community Safety Initiative This Valentine's Day, Dorset Police invites everyone to be a crucial part of a ground breaking community safety campaign: Dorset's Biggest Night In. Why This Matters. We are launching the Big Night In to spread vital safety messages about online dating and protecting vulnerable individuals. Romance fraud affects men and women of all ages and there has also been a large increase in men as young as 14 reporting being sextorted to Revenge Porn Helpline. Not only does this fraud effect people financially but also their mental health. What is Dorset's Biggest Night In? On 14th February, (or 15th and 16th) we're encouraging people to get together and use the Romance Fraud Big Night In Pack. Understand online dating safety in a fun relaxed home or club environment. Learn how to report romance fraud. Support each other. Disrupt criminals. The Romance Fraud Pack Includes: Detailed guidance on online dating safety Two engaging case studies Practical reporting mechanisms Support resources for vulnerable individuals. How You Can Help Post it on your social media and encourage people to join Dorset’s Biggest Night In with the Tagline “We’re in” Use the hashtag #DorsetsBigNightIn to amplify the message and encourage other people to join in! The Impact By sharing a simple post, you’ll: Help protect your community. Raise vital awareness about online safety. Unite against crime and make a real difference. Encourage others to join in. Ready to Join? Download or view the Big Night In pack and get all the details here: https://fraudprotect.mysaferdorset.com/competitions-and-events/ Let’s come together this Valentine’s Day to create a safer, stronger Dorset and let’s make this safety campaign go viral. #DorsetBigNightIn Thank you for your support – a simple post can make a huge difference. Message Sent By: Damian Cranny (Dorset Police, Fraud Protect Officer, Dorset February 10, 2025 Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week: Spotlight on The Shores This week is Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week, an important opportunity to raise awareness of sexual abuse and violence and ensure victims in Dorset are aware of the services available to support them to recover. Today, I want to shine a light on an organisation which my Office provides funding for to deliver expert care and support to people during their most vulnerable moments. The Shores is Dorset’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre now run by PHL Group and supports victims of rape and sexual assault in Dorset. I understand that asking for help and reaching out can be incredibly difficult for victims, which is why I want you to know more about the incredible work The Shores do. They are there for all survivors of sexual assault and sexual violence and you will be treated with compassion and respect. I’d like to introduce their engagement officer Kelly Taylor to tell you more. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- “The Shores provides victims of serious sexual violence with a high-quality professional response to their needs, whether this is medical or otherwise. We are here for all survivors – whether you are a woman, man, child or part of the LGBTQ+ community, no matter your age. It is important that people know they can come to us and be treated with absolutely no stigma, for proper aftercare support, individual to each person’s experience. “It doesn’t matter whether it was 30 years ago or hours ago, we want you to contact us and we can talk through the different options for you. We can help you to make the right decision about your next step, with information and support. “The message I would give to anyone who has experienced sexual assault is that you have options, and we are here for you. Whether or not you want the police involved, you can still access our services for free 24/7, 365 days a year. “The focus on choices is very deliberate. When someone has been sexually assaulted or raped, the feeling that you are out of control can be overwhelming. Our team will ensure you are informed about all your choices and that you feel enabled to make them in your best interests. That’s why it is so important for more people to know about us and what we do. “The work our team do at The Shores is not just about the forensic; it’s about aftercare in a calm and confidential space, where people have a voice and are listened to, which we believe is vital. So, whether it’s for a forensic examination or a telephone referral, we strive to ensure those who contact us feel respected are treated with dignity and feel validated. The feeling of validation is absolutely key, because there are many occasions when victims do not feel they are believed. You will always be believed at The Shores. “You do not have to report anything to the police unless you choose to. You are in control of decisions around your own medical care and emotional support. Reaching out is a brave step and we’re here to support our clients in whatever way feels right for them. So, whether it’s just someone to talk to, advice about medical care or information about your options, we’re here for you. “Our approach is focused on you; we will find the right service to support you and your recovery. Just give us a call and speak to our team. You are not alone.” -------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to Kelly for your compassionate message of reassurance for victims. I hope your assurances help more people to seek the expert support The Shores provides. With organisations like these, as well as STARS and Victim Support which both receive funding from my Office, and the work being carried out by Dorset Police, victims are at the centre of our work. I am clear that I want victims to feel confident to come forward and seek the help and support they need – whether that is from the Force through investigation or an organisation like The Shores. I want victims to feel their voices are heard. This is why I have committed part of my Police and Crime Plan to ensuring that victims of rape and serious sexual assaults are provided with the care and support they need, but also that all victims have the confidence to report these crimes to the police in the first place. I am determined to ensure this key priority continues to be fulfilled so victims in Dorset can feel supported, cared for and listened to. - The Shores Sexual Assault Referral Centre - 0800 970 9954 (All calls are confidential) - STARS Dorset - 01202 308855 - Victim Support Dorset - 0300 3030 163 David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Message Sent By: Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner February 7, 2025 Dorset Policing Precept Approved Good afternoon, Earlier today, the Dorset Police and Crime Panel approved an increase in the policing precept for Dorset. Please see the latest release below for further details. David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Dorset’s Police and Crime Panel have approved plans to increase the amount of money residents in the county pay for their policing service. When residents receive their council tax bill for this year, they will be paying an extra £14 a year, or £1.17 a month, if they live in a band D property. The agreement from the Panel to increase precept this year comes after an online survey was held with the public. In total, 1,966 people responded, and of those 76% agreed that Dorset Police requires additional funding, with 55% of the total respondents saying they would pay more. The precept survey ran for more than 6 weeks, from December 17, 2024, to January 29, 2025. The survey was available online throughout this period, promoted via local media, Dorset Alert, the OPCC website, social media, face to face engagement events across the county as well as an online focus group event with members of the public. Dorset Police and Crime Panel met on Wednesday at County Hall in Dorchester to discuss the increase before a majority approved the recommendation. Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick said: “I want to thank everyone who responded to this year’s survey and shared their thoughts on police funding and the precept. “Asking the people of Dorset to contribute more towards policing our county is not something I take lightly. I share your frustrations and vow to continue the fight, lobbying government relentlessly for a fairer funding deal to ensure our county has the police force they need and deserve. “Despite financial challenges, over the past year significant progress has been made in Dorset, which remains one of the safest counties in the country. My Police and Crime Plan continues to deliver for the people of Dorset. Crime is falling, positive outcomes are on the rise and anti-social behaviour is at its lowest level since 2007/08, thanks to hard work from Dorset Police officers, staff and volunteers. “We want to go further; we want to do more to ensure Dorset is the safest place in the country but to do this we need more security and stability in our funding. We have big ambitions, but without a change in the outdated national funding formula taking into account seasonality and rurality, those ambitions cannot be achieved. “While further difficult decisions will sadly have to be made this year to ensure a balanced budget, I want to reassure the public that we are dedicated to ensuring our communities remain protected. Dorset Police is making a positive difference and the Force will continue to fulfil my Police and Crime Plan, delivering on the commitments set by the people of Dorset, to make our county a safe place to be.” Dorset Police Chief Constable Amanda Pearson added: “Today’s agreement of increasing the precept means we can look to the year ahead and plan how we will continue to provide an effective policing service to the communities of Dorset and deliver against the Police and Crime Plan, while making every penny count. “It is important to recognise that Dorset Police is already a comparatively efficient service, with well-established local, regional and national collaborations. We are already lean and eking out further savings is becoming ever more challenging due to the efficiencies we have already achieved. To date these have included renegotiated contracts, innovative use of technology, extending life of equipment before replacement, additional income generation, and a reduction of 72 full time equivalent police staff posts under the current year savings schemes. “The financial situation of the Force remains extremely challenging, and despite this increase in precept, we will have to continue to make some very difficult decisions to ensure we deliver effective policing within budget. “Dorset remains one of the safest areas in the country, and we remain committed to being tough on crime, relentlessly pursuing those criminals who cause the most harm to our communities, keeping people safe and putting victims first.” Message Sent By: Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dorset Police seeks to encourage reporting of all sexual offences Dorset Police is supporting Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week 2025 and encouraging victims of all forms of sexual offences to have the confidence to come forward. During the week of action, which runs from Monday 3 February 2025, the Force is sending a message that all victims will be treated with respect and supported and we will do all we can to ensure perpetrators are held to account. The central focus of all this work is the voice of the victim as we make every effort to ensure they feel supported and listened to. Detective Superintendent Neil Wright, Force lead for Rape and Serious Sexual Offence (RASSO) and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), said: “We are also working with partners to raise awareness and empower victims to report non-contact sexual offences. “These offences can include voyeurism, exposure, up-skirting, spiking, stalking, online offences and other general sexualised comments and behaviour. “We want to assure our communities that offences of this nature will be taken seriously and we are absolutely committed to ensuring that we will respond appropriately to these reports.” Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset David Sidwick said: “Tackling violence against women and girls remains a priority and the Force has set a clear strategic focus on improving investigation standards, and the service provided to victims.” Anyone who has been the victim of a sexual offence or other sexualised behaviour can report it to Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101. If you or anyone else is in danger, always call 999 immediately. For those who do not feel able to report matters to police, help can be sought through the following channels: * The Shores Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) 0800 970 9954 * National Rape Crisis Helpline 0808 500 2222 * Sexual Trauma And Recovery Service - www.starsdorset.org 0808 500 2222 Message Sent By: Harry Hogger (Dorset Police, Media Officer, Dorset) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dorset Police teams up with AFC Bournemouth to tackle violence against women and girls Dorset Police has strengthened its ongoing partnership with Premier League club AFC Bournemouth aimed at tackling issues around violence against women and girls (VAWG). Representatives from the Force recently visited the club to give a training input on VAWG related issues to its concourse staff. The aim of the day was to provide them with information and advice on how to spot the signs of offences and support victims, as well as encouraging reporting to police. A further input was given to hospitality staff ahead of the team’s fixture against Liverpool on Saturday 1 February 2025. The inputs build on ties already forged between the Force and the football clubs, which has seen Dorset Police support a video created by the club during the 16 Days of Action Activism against gender-based violence in November 2024 to raise awareness of VAWG issues through the eyes of a female fan. The partnership work has also seen the introduction of two female operational football officers who regularly attend AFC Bournemouth matches. Detective Superintendent Neil Wright, Dorset Police’s lead for VAWG, said: “As we mark Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week, tackling violence against women and girls remains a key priority for the Force. We have been delighted to work with AFC Bournemouth to raise these issues and increase awareness amongst fans of all genders attending their fixtures. “By delivering this training to matchday staff, it builds on the already close working between the club and our officers at AFC Bournemouth’s games and strengthens our commitment to ensuring women and girls can enjoy the occasion and feel safe.” Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset, David Sidwick said: “Training matchday staff so they know the signs to look out for and adding the operational football officers, will make a tangible difference to the safety and security of all fans who attend the Vitality Stadium." AFC Bournemouth Head of Safeguarding Meredith Hack said: “We’re very grateful to have such a strong partnership with Dorset Police, and are proud of what we have achieved together in discussing some very important topics." Message Sent By: Harry Hogger (Dorset Police, Media Officer, Dorset) February 1, 2025 There is hope about knife crime, but it’s going to take more than well-meaning soundbites There has been a lot of discussion around knife crime in the past few days following the release of the documentary, Our Knife Crime Crisis, featuring Idris Elba. While this is not a review of the documentary – you can watch it here - I want to pick up on a couple of the points raised in the programme, as it covers several issues I am also focused on in Dorset. To start, I want to be clear; we have low rates of knife crime in Dorset – one of the lowest in the country. But there are too many young people carrying knives, and that’s why it is a priority to tackle these offences. Just because we are one of the safest counties in the country, it doesn’t mean there should be any complacency around this very dangerous issue and that’s why my Office and Dorset Police take it extremely seriously. While I welcome the zombie-knife ban which closed a loophole in the law last year, I believe we need to go much further to turn the tide. An announcement from the Home Office this week that stricter age verification checks for knife purchases and ID checks upon delivery of knives are set to be introduced is another positive step, but we still need more. I know a full review is expected soon on the online sale and delivery of knives, and I await that report with interest, along with the Crime and Policing Bill, which is due this spring. This Bill is due to provide further information on youth hubs, aimed to address knife crime and other issues among young people. I know that early intervention is key to tackling this devastating crime and I was reassured to see this at the heart of this documentary. It is why I have been calling for a Violence Reduction Unit in Dorset to bring together partner agencies including local authorities, health, and education sectors to commission services to prevent serious violence. It is not enough to wait until the problem is too big to solve, I want to get this in place now to prevent issues from occurring. Solutions to the problem of knife crime will not be immediate, but they need to be in progress now. My Office’s Violence Reduction and Prevention Team are already laying the groundwork and spearheading this work, collaborating with partners to ensure interventions and diversions, and identifying those most at risk so adequate safeguards can be put in place. Their focus is on vulnerability – one of the issues highlighted in the programme. My goal, through the work they are doing, is to commission quality early intervention to prevent harmful experiences in childhood from evolving into serious violence. As part of this aim, during March and April, they will be actively seeking the views of young people on knife crime and serious violence in Dorset. are getting on the front foot in Dorset, and I want people to have confidence in our commitment to tackle this abhorrent crime. But, as was stated by a detective in the documentary, policing alone cannot solve knife crime. It is a heart breaking problem which needs each and every one of us – society at large – to collectively have the will to tackle it and stop young people picking up a knife and becoming embroiled in dangerous situations. I know that knife crime causes lives to be changed in a heartbeat – and I want to stop that devastation, but we need everyone working together in order to go further than ever before. David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Message Sent By: Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner January 28, 2025 Beware of Fraudsters with Valentine's Chocolates We would like to make you aware of a concerning scam in our community. Fraudsters have been reported knocking on doors and presenting a box of chocolates, claiming that they require a small payment to cover a "missing cost." To do this, they ask for your bank details. This is a clever and deceptive scheme, as the sight of someone holding a box of chocolates—especially around Valentine's Day—can create a sense of goodwill and trust. However, their true intent is to gather your personal bank information for fraudulent purposes. Advice to Stay Safe: Verify before opening: Always check the identity of anyone knocking at your door. Do not share personal details: Never provide your bank details to anyone in this manner. Report immediately: If you have already shared your bank details, contact your bank as soon as possible on 159. Notify Action Fraud: Report any such incidents to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting their website at www.actionfraud.police.uk. Stay vigilant and help spread the word on your social media to protect others in our community. Message Sent By: Damian Cranny (Dorset Police, Fraud Protect Officer, Dorset ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ FREE Security Afloat 2025 Poole Harbour Watch, Dorset Police and Poole Harbour Commissioners are pleased to invite you to the FREE Security Afloat 2025. Wednesday 26th February 2025 1800hrs – 2100hrs North Lounge of the Poole Ferry Passenger Terminal, BH15 4AJ Free tickets obtainable from Ticket Source page below https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/null/poole-harbour-watch-security-afloat-2025/2025-02-26/18:00/t-jzyodqj Please be aware that tickets are limited due to the location of the event so tickets will be issued on a first come first served basis. All boat owners need to protect their boats and marine items by any means they can. The Security Afloat event will give them the knowledge of how to protect their boats and what is on the market. Dorset Police cadets will assist and register all guests 1800 – 1830 guests can visit the Exhibition stands. 1830 – 1930 time to hear the speakers Welcome from Jacky Hardy, Poole Harbour Watch Chair Police Crime Commissioner David Sidwick Marine Police officer NPT (Neighbourhood Policing Team) for Dorset Poole Harbour Commission Harbourmaster Harry Gregory Datatag – Miles Taylor Seatronix - Dominic 1930 – 2045 guests can revisit the Exhibition stands RNLI Water Safety Advisers – bring your lifejackets along for advice by the RNLI SIFCA Southern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority Quay West Chandlery Seatronix Poole Marine tracking solutions Howden Insurance Datatag – Marine security system The Maritime Volunteer Service MVS Dorset Harbour Port Watch Dorset Marine Training Powerboat Training UK Victim Support and Crime Prevention 2045 time to depart Please come to the event and help demonstrate that Poole Harbour has a strong marine community who are determined to stop crime by securing their boats thus sending a message to the criminal element. Poole Harbour Watch, Poole Harbour Commissioners and the Marine Policing Team are working together to promote and encourage people to secure their boats and to report any marine crime. Looking forward to meeting you Jacky Hardy - Chair of Poole Harbour Watch Please don’t forget to bring your TicketSource free tickets If you have problems accessing your tickets, email me and I will book you in. I will need your full name. jackyhardyphw@gmail.com Message Sent By: Amanda Anderson (Dorset Police and NHWN, Resilient Communities Coordinator, Dorset LPA) January 24, 2025 Protect Yourself from fake Booking.com hotels contact Action Fraud is warning everyone who uses Booking.com to stay vigilant against fraudulent emails or messages from hotel accounts. Criminals are hacking into hotel accounts and tricking customers into paying money or sharing bank details. What’s Happening? Targeted Hotels: Fraudsters are targeting hotels’ Booking.com accounts through phishing attacks. Deceptive Messages: Once they gain access, criminals send emails, in-app messages, or WhatsApp messages pretending to be the hotel. These often request payments or credit card details. Real Losses: From June 2023 to September 2024, 532 people reported being scammed, losing a total of £370,000. Key Warning Signs Unusual Requests: A hotel account asks for payment or credit card details unexpectedly. Urgent Payment Demands: You’re told your booking may be cancelled if you don’t pay immediately. Suspicious Links or Attachments: Messages contain links or files asking you to follow instructions. Stay Safe and Protect Yourself No Phone/Email Payments: Legitimate Booking.com transactions don’t require you to provide payment details by phone, email, or text. Verify Directly: If a hotel asks for payment details, confirm their identity. Contact Booking.com customer service using official details, not those in the message. Double-Check Changes: Any payment requests that don’t match your booking confirmation should be confirmed with Booking.com before you act. Be Wary of Links: Treat messages with links or downloads claiming to be from Booking.com cautiously. How to Report Suspicious Messages Emails: Forward to report@phishing.gov.uk Text Messages: Forward to 7726 What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed Act Quickly: Notify your bank immediately on 159. Report the Fraud: Visit Action Fraud or call 0300 123 2040. For further advice, visit Stop! Think Fraud Stay alert, protect your money, and enjoy a safer holiday experience! Message Sent By: Damian Cranny (Dorset Police, Fraud Protect Officer, Dorset January 21, 2025 Appeal for information following assault in Christchurch Officers investigating an assault in Christchurch are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward. At around 3pm on Monday 30 December 2024 a man was reportedly assaulted by a man known to him in Aldi in Somerford Road. It was reported the victim was shoved, causing him to fall into a set of shelves and sustain injuries to his torso. Police Constable Tilly Blackley, of Dorset Police, said: “We are continuing to investigate this incident and I understand it may have been witnessed by staff members and shoppers. “I would urge anyone who saw what happened, or who has any information that might assist our investigation, to please contact us.” Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email at scit@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240198680. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111. Message Sent By: Media and Communications January 19, 2025 Invitation to PCC forum on policing precept You’re invited to have an in-depth discussion with the Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner about this year’s policing precept. My office is currently running its annual Policing Precept survey. I would like to thank all those who have already taken part in the survey for their valuable feedback, we appreciate each and every response. As well as the online survey and face-to-face engagement events undertaken across the county, I would like to invite 30 participants to join me for an online focus group about this year’s precept. This will be an opportunity for you to ask me about Dorset Police funding and have an in-depth conversation about this year’s precept. The focus group will take place on Tuesday January 28 at 6pm and will last around 45 minutes. The event will run on a first come first served basis. If you would like to take part in the focus group, please reply to this alert with your email address so you can be sent the joining information. If you can’t attend but would like to complete the survey, please do so here. David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Message Sent By: Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner January 17, 2025 Booking.com users targeted with scam messages Those using the platform Booking.com to book their holidays or accommodation are being warned they could be targeted with emails or messages requesting payments from hotels who have had their account taken over by fraudsters. Between June 2023 and September 2024, Action Fraud received 532 reports from individuals, with a total of £370,000 lost. Insight from Action Fraud reports suggests the individuals were defrauded after receiving unexpected messages and emails from a Booking.com account belonging to a hotel they had a reservation with, which had been taken over by a criminal. Using this account, the criminals send in-app messages, emails, and WhatsApp messages to customers, deceiving them into making payment and/or requesting credit card details. The specific account takeovers are likely to be the result of a targeted phishing attack against the hotel or accommodation provider, and not Booking.com’s backend system or infrastructure. Adam Mercer, Deputy Head of Action Fraud, said: “With more than 500 reports made to Action Fraud, those who have booked a holiday on the Booking.com platform should stay alert to any unexpected emails or messages from a hotel using the Booking.com platform, as their account could have been taken over by a criminal. “If you receive an unexpected request from a hotel’s account you booked with using Booking.com, asking for bank details or credit card details, it could be a fraudster trying to trick you into parting ways with your money. Contact Booking.com or the organisation directly if you’re unsure. “Remember to report any suspicious emails by forwarding it to report@phishing.gov.uk, or if you receive a fraudulent text message, you can forward it to 7726.” How can you protect yourself? Booking.com and Action Fraud are providing the following advice on how to spot signs of fraud and protect your Booking.com account: No legitimate Booking.com transaction will ever require a customer to provide their credit card details by phone, email, or text message (including WhatsApp). Sometimes a hotel provider will manage their own payment and may reach out to request payment information, like credit card details – before providing any information, always verify the authenticity of communication between yourself and the hotel’s account. If you receive any urgent payment requests that require immediate attention, like a booking cancellation, immediately reach out to the Booking.com Customer Service team via the details on the official Booking.com website and/or app to confirm. Any payment requests that do not match the information in the original booking confirmation should also be double checked and confirmed with Booking.com Customer Service before proceeding. Any messages purporting to be from Booking.com that contain instructions to follow links and/or open/download files should be treated with caution. If you have any doubts about a message, contact Booking.com directly. Don’t use the numbers or address in the suspicious message and use the details from their official website. For more information about how to protect your Booking.com account, please visit: Safety Tips for Travellers | Booking.com If you receive any suspicious emails or text messages, report them by forwarding emails to: report@phishing.gov.uk, or texts to 7726. Find out how to protect yourself from fraud: https://stopthinkfraud.campaign.gov.uk If you’ve lost money or provided financial information as a result of any phishing scam, notify your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud at https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/report-phishing or by calling 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101. (If you found this information useful, please share it with friends, family and colleagues) Message Sent By: Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Beware of HMRC Tax Scams! Community Alert: Beware of HMRC Tax Scams! ?? As the January tax deadline approaches, scammers are on the prowl, targeting individuals with fraudulent messages posing as HMRC. Here’s how to stay safe and protect yourself from falling victim to these scams: --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- How Do These Scams Appear? Scammers use various methods to trick you into handing over personal information or money: Emails: Fake messages claiming you’re due a tax refund or owe taxes. Text Messages (SMS): Urgent alerts with links to "secure portals" or fake payment sites. Phone Calls: Threats of legal action or arrest if immediate payment isn’t made. Social Media: Direct messages or ads pretending to be from HMRC. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- How to Spot a Scam Keep an eye out for these warning signs: Urgency: Messages demanding immediate action, such as paying a fine or clicking a link. Unusual Requests: HMRC will never ask for payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or vouchers. Poor Grammar/Spelling: Authentic communications from HMRC are professional and error-free. Suspicious Links: Look out for fake URLs—hover over links before clicking or verify them independently. Caller ID Spoofing: Even if a phone number appears genuine, it could be fake. HMRC rarely contacts people by phone without prior notice. How to Stay Safe Never share your personal or financial information with unverified sources. Always log into your HMRC account directly via their official website Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails or texts. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Report Scams If you suspect a scam: Forward emails to report@phishing.gov.uk. Forward texts to 7726 Report scam calls to Action Fraud at 0300 123 2040 or online https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/report-phishing. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stay vigilant, share this alert with your community, and help keep everyone safe this tax season! If in doubt, contact HMRC directly using their official contact details. Stay safe and scam-aware! Message Sent By: Media and Communications January 15, 2025 Free Get Safe Online Webinar Dear Resident, Get Safe Online and Neighbourhood Alert have joined forces to offer you a free online webinar to provide you with tips and advice for staying safe, secure and confident online in 2025. It will take place this Friday 17 January at 12 noon. Every time you visit or use a website, send or receive a message or email, buy or book anything online, comment on a post, upload a photo or find directions on your phone, you're adding to your digital footprint. This hour-long webinar will focus on 'Your Digital Footprint' and will be run by a leading expert from Get Safe Online, Liz Stanton. Please register using the link below: Webinar Registration - Zoom We hope to see you there. Places are limited. With kind regards, The Get Safe Online team Message Sent By: Get Safe Online January 11, 2025 Precept: Why I must ask you for more Asking you, the people of Dorset to contribute more towards policing our county is not a task I take lightly. Since I came to office, I have been relentlessly lobbying the government and campaigning for the police funding formula to be changed to give us a fair deal and ensure the people of Dorset have the police force they need and deserve. This lobbying has seen some success. The work has been done; there exists a new funding formula which takes into account the factors we have been calling for – seasonality and sparsity – along with deprivation and other measures. But it has not been enacted, and desperately needs to be. It is now way beyond the time to bring this new funding formula into action. Currently, too many Forces – Dorset included – are at a disadvantage because of this antiquated situation and we all face making further difficult decisions as a result. It is because of this frustrating situation that I must ask if you would be willing to contribute more, to ensure we can provide you with the service you need. Funding for police forces consists of the national grant from government and the police precept, the element raised through local council tax. Dorset receives the second lowest amount of police grant funding of any Force in England and Wales. Residents of this county contribute 52% towards Dorset Police’s funding, through their council tax, whereas the average in England and Wales is around 35% and in some cases as low as 20%. This year, the Government has set an increase limit of £14 for a Band D household on the policing part of the council tax precept, and their funding settlement assumes PCCs will raise the precept by this amount. That’s why, while we wait for this exasperating funding disparity to be reformed, I need to appeal to you for your support. This is a difficult thing to do as I know many people are feeling the squeeze, but I have no alternative. Despite these financial challenges, Dorset continues to be one of the safest places in the country. I am proud that in the past year crime has fallen and the Force is delivering more positive outcomes for victims, meaning more people are being kept safe. I am particularly pleased that anti-social behaviour is at its lowest level since 2007/08. This was a key priority in my Police and Crime Plan, and I am delighted that Force-led and PCC-supported operations including Op Track, Op Relentless and the 100 Days of Summer initiative are seeing some significant results for our communities. The Force is answering the 999 calls faster than ever before, ensuring you get the service you need more quickly. And with 72 Community Contact Points now activated across our county, your neighbourhood officers are ready to talk to you face-to-face about issues where you live. I would urge you to take advantage of these – they are a great way to speak to your local officers and get advice or pass on intelligence about something you may be concerned about. Find out more here. Operation Scorpion, a drugs operation which involves all five south west Police and Crime Commissioners, their respective police forces, the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit and other key partners including British Transport Police, has continued to robustly tackle the issue of drug dealing and county lines. In the past year, Dorset Police has seized thousands of pounds worth of drugs and cash along with removing dozens of weapons from the streets, safeguarded vulnerable people and made a significant number of arrests, shutting down high harm county lines. With more operations planned for 2025, Dorset Police will continue their efforts to protect communities from the harm drugs can have. Another area I would like to highlight is the work the Force have been doing to tackle prolific shoplifting. Dorset’s Operation Shopkeeper has seen some very positive results, targeting high harm, repeat offenders who are responsible for the majority of shoplifting across the county. Since November 2023, the team have targeted 32 perpetrators, achieving 696 positive outcomes for victims. In October, the team achieved a 77% success rate, a significant figure in our fight against these harmful offences. In the past year, my Office has worked with our partners to launch a number of initiatives with Safer Streets funding. Many of these were focused solely on tackling Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), a key priority under the Police and Crime Plan. Alongside these important projects and the work of the OPCC VAWG Scrutiny Panel, my Office also ran a VAWG conference, focused on keeping our children and young people safe. It cannot be overstated how vitally important tackling VAWG offences is, and I and the Force are committed to continuing this important work to ensure we make changes and improve the safety of all women and girls in Dorset. I want to be clear, while there are budgetary pressures and difficult decisions will have to be taken, the Chief Constable and I will do our best to minimise the impact on our communities. I will continue to keep banging the drum and fighting for the funding we need to best serve this county. Please fill in this survey and show your support for Dorset Police. It only takes a few minutes, and I thank you for taking the time. My fight to ensure Dorset remains one of the safest places in the country will determinedly continue on your behalf. A better funding deal is integral to that, and I will be relentless in my efforts to achieve this. Take the survey here David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Message Sent By: Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner January 10, 2025 Public reporting has helped police take action on drink and drug drivers over the festive period. Dorset Police’s ‘Festive Feedback’ campaign encouraged members of the public to report impaired drivers, with every person who contacted police during December receiving a follow-up call updating them on the police response. This was backed up by a range of enforcement activity, carried out as part of the Operation Limit national drink and drug drive campaign, and efforts to raise awareness on the dangers and impacts of driving whilst impaired. Across December, the Force received 317 calls from members of the public in relation to motorists believed to be driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Officers attended 129 of these incidents and were able to locate 90 of the vehicles involved. This resulted in a total of 36 arrests. Overall, more than one third of the drink and drug drivers arrested during the month were as a result of members of the public contacting Dorset Police via 999 or 101. More details of the arrests can be found here: https://news.dorset.police.uk/news-article/8f44b90c-92ce-ef11-9d72-6045bdd24049 Inspector Joe Wheable, of the Roads Policing Team, said: “The Festive Feedback initiative was all about improving public confidence and encouraging reporting to police by showing that we will respond to calls around drink and drug action and take positive action. “The response from those we contacted was overwhelmingly positive, with people indicating that being updated on the outcome of their call made them feel involved in the process. “We would like to thank the community of Dorset for their fantastic response to this campaign.” The enforcement activity under Op Limit included two proactive operations during December that resulted in 11 people being arrested and 10 cars seized, as well as other traffic offences being detected. Over the month of December Dorset Police conducted a total of 178 breath tests and 93 drug wipes. If you suspect someone has been drinking or has taken drugs and is about to drive, please dial 999 and provide the make and model of the vehicle, registration number and direction of travel. Message Sent By: Media and Communications January 6, 2025 Why I want harsher punishment for drink and drug drivers Throughout the month of December, Dorset Police’s Road Policing Unit has focused on the annual Christmas drink and drug drive campaign. The results of this year’s initiative will be published in due course, but I want to talk generally about the issue of drink and drug driving, and why I am calling for harsher punishment in the most serious of cases. Of course, policing dangerous drink and drug drivers is not just a priority confined to the Christmas period. Dorset Police’s dedicated Roads Policing Unit is committed to tackling these irresponsible drivers 365 days a year and do a commendable job in helping to keep Dorset’s roads safe. I know the people of Dorset want road safety to be a priority; that is why I made it a key part of my Police and Crime Plan, under Cut Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour. As well as highlighting the importance of road safety awareness and ensuring emerging road safety issues are dealt with robustly and appropriately, I am fully committed to lobbying for tougher sanctions and new powers to tackle offending and anti-social motorists. As part of this determination to fulfil my commitment to this priority, I have recently asked the Government to consider allowing charges of manslaughter to be brought if a drink or drug driver kills someone on the roads. I do not believe the current law goes far enough, nor acts as enough of a deterrent. A vehicle is a weapon when in the wrong hands, the hands of someone who is intoxicated and does not have full control of themselves, or the vehicle they are driving. We need to be able to treat these offences with the seriousness they deserve. Two recent cases in Dorset involving drug drivers have further convinced me I am right in calling for this change. One involved a grandmother from Wyke Regis who died in a collision outside her home last year. The driver of the vehicle was sentenced to three years in prison after being found guilty of causing death by driving without due care and attention while over the specified limit for cannabis. The other case involved a young driver who was sentenced to eight years in prison for causing death by dangerous driving when he was also under the influence of drugs. Both these reported cases had devastating consequences not just for those who lost their loved ones, but the wider community, and the families of the perpetrators. They acutely demonstrate the tragic and wide-ranging impact a decision to get behind the wheel of a vehicle while intoxicated can have. While Dorset Police will continue to do all they can to remove drink and drug drivers from the roads and ensure the appropriate education and sanctions follow, they can only do so much. It is up to each and every driver to take responsibility for their own behaviour and actions behind the wheel and I hope tougher punishment for those who flout the law and put themselves and others at risk of serious injury or worse, will send a clear message that this mindless recklessness will not be tolerated. David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Message Sent By: Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Start the New Year with a Free Anti-Fraud Tool Kick off 2025 with a commitment to safety! Introducing Ask Silver, a free, AI-powered app on WhatsApp that helps protect you and your community from fraud. Why Choose Ask Silver? For the Public: Stay Informed: Receive real-time alerts about the latest scams to stay one step ahead of fraudsters. Quick Analysis: Share suspicious emails, websites, or messages for instant AI analysis, spotting potential risks and offering advice. Seamless Reporting: Report scams effortlessly, helping authorities take action and safeguarding others. Below you can see reply I got from Ask Silver after scanning a suspicious email I received. Be Proactive, Be Fraud-Aware Ask Silver isn’t just a tool—it’s a step toward building safer, more resilient communities. Make 2025 the year of empowerment. Download Ask Silver today and take charge of your safety! For more info visit Ask Silver- Free Scam Checker Message Sent By: Damian Cranny (Dorset Police, Fraud Protect Officer, Dorset January 4, 2024 Are you a runner? Can you help inform a new initiative? We’d like to better understand the harassment that women and girls suffer from men when running. Nationally, there is concern that some women suffer harassment when running. We would like your help so we can do something about this and we’d like more information from you to help target our initiative. Can you spend just 5-10 minutes answering a few questions? Your contribution will really make a difference. https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=xdAVRRi0-kyXQSItpooY 1_ZQCso_cKNNkdQIFSF3aCJUQzdRSkZBTVFST01NVlhIRFBFOVo1NTBKWS4u Message Sent By: Media and Communications January 2, 2025 Take part in the PCC's Precept Survey Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick, is asking the residents of Dorset to spare a few minutes to take part in the survey on Dorset Policing Precept 2025/26. The survey will help to ensure Dorset Police have the required funding to continue serving communities across the county, further driving down crime numbers and delivering even better outcomes for victims. This survey asks residents for their views on paying an additional £1.17 per month for the policing part of the council tax. If approved it would see those living in a Band D property paying an extra £14 a year for policing in Dorset during 2025/2026. Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “Our county is one of the safest in the country and thanks to the work of dedicated officers, staff and volunteers we continue to improve. I hope Dorset residents can support what is being done and take part in the survey and give me your thoughts and opinions – because together over the last year we have made a difference and I want that to continue.” If you have already taken part in the survey, thank you for your participation. You can take the survey here David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Message Sent By: Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner December 24, 2024 Festive crackdown on reports of drink or drug drivers across BCP area oads policing officers teamed up with special constables last week to carry out enforcement activity targeting suspected drink or drug drivers across the BCP area. On Wednesday 18 December 2024, we carried out simultaneous static stop checks on vehicles in Parkstone Road in Poole and Wimborne Road in Bournemouth. Motorists were stopped at random to conduct a roadside breath test and a check of their vehicle. Drivers and passengers were also reminded of the dangers of driving while under the influence of either drink or drugs. During the course of the evening, two people were arrested on suspicion of driving a motor vehicle with a proportion of a specified controlled drug above the specified limit. They have both been released under investigation while enquiries continue. A number of other matters were dealt with, including four drivers stopped for having no insurance, four drivers stopped for reportedly driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, two drivers were stopped for not having tax on their vehicles and one person was fined for driving without due care and attention. Other activity included stopping vehicles for having defective headlights and defective tyres, which means their vehicle falls below the standard and poses a risk to other road users. A second night of enforcement action took place on Friday 20 December 2024 and saw five drug drive arrests and one for drink driving. Read more here: https://news.dorset.police.uk/news-article/13f04756-2ac1-ef11-9d72-6045bdd24049 Message Sent By: Media and Communications December 20, 2024 CCTV appeal following thefts in Christchurch Officers are issuing CCTV images of two women they would like to identify as they investigate thefts from a store in Christchurch. Between Tuesday 22 October and Monday 11 November 2024 two women were seen to enter Boots in Saxon Square on at least three occasions and each time stole several hundred pounds worth of stock. Police Constable Rob Roaf, of Dorset Police, said: “We are continuing to investigate these thefts and we are now in a position to release CCTV images of two women we are looking to identify as part of our enquiries. “I would urge anyone who recognises them to please contact us.” View images here: https://news.dorset.police.uk/news-article/09081974-c6be-ef11-9d72-6045bdd24049 Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email at scit@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240167546. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111. Message Sent By: Media and Communications ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Appeal following suspected arson in Christchurch Detectives investigating a suspected arson in Christchurch are appealing for anyone with information to come forward. At 7.52pm on Wednesday 18 December 2024, Dorset Police received a report of a fire at an address in Stour Road. The resident was in the property at the time. Following initial enquiries, it is believed that the fire was started maliciously and an investigation is ongoing. No arrests have been made. Detective Inspector Darren Moores, of BCP CID, said: “We have liaised with colleagues from the fire service and the current assessment is that this incident was not accidental. “I would urge anyone who witnessed suspicious activity in the area at the relevant time to please come forward. “Also, I am keen to hear from nearby residents with doorbell or CCTV cameras or motorists with dashcam who were driving in the area and may have captured relevant footage that might assist our investigation.” Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email at scit@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240193387. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111. Message Sent By: Media and Communications ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dorset PCC launches Precept Survey It is no secret that many police forces across the country are facing tough decisions due to budgetary pressures and funding shortfalls. In Dorset, we are not immune from this, and difficult choices have had to be made this year, with more to come, as the Force is required to save £7million over two years. Continuing high levels of inflation along with further increases in energy costs and national insurance contributions, nationally mandated pay rises and strict rules on police officer numbers, are just a few of the pressures contributing to this increasingly difficult situation. Since I came to Office in 2021, I have been relentlessly lobbying for a fairer funding deal for Dorset. The current funding formula makes no account of the huge influx of tourists to Dorset nor the rurality of much of our county and that is beyond frustrating and unfair, not just on the Force but the people of this county. Dorset residents contribute 52% towards the Force’s funding through their council tax, whereas the average for other Forces in England and Wales is around 35% and in some cases as low as 20%. Dorset also receives the second lowest proportion of central government funding in England and Wales. The disparity and unfairness of the funding formula is widely recognised, with fellow PCCs and policing bodies also actively campaigning and raising awareness of this issue. However, despite this dogged persistence, there remains little clarity over the review of the National Police Funding Formula, which forces me to ask you, the public, for your support once again. Last year, Dorset’s residents backed my precept proposal, understanding the importance of their contribution and the impact it has on policing in our county. I want to be clear that coming to you to ask for more is not easy, but the fact is that policing still needs your help and support to ensure we can maintain the level of service you rightly expect and deserve. The Government has set a limit this year of £14 on the policing part of the council tax precept. As part of my survey asking for your views, I would also like to know if theoretically there is support for more funding for policing. Although the Government have set the limit at £14, the survey suggests a hypothetical £20 amount and a £30 amount. I want to be clear; these two higher amounts will not be introduced but have been included to help me gauge levels of support from the public. As I have stated, Dorset Police have had to make difficult decisions this year to achieve the savings required to balance the budget, and unless the central funding situation changes, more difficult decisions are expected. Through Project Evolve - a programme to improve the service offered to communities while also delivering cost efficiencies to ensure a balanced budget - progress has been significant and delivered savings against target. But due to the funding situation inflicted upon Dorset thanks to the current formula, I need your support. I want to be clear; despite the squeeze on the finances, Dorset continues to be one of the safest counties in the country. Reports of crime have fallen by 2.3% this year, with positive outcomes on the rise, meaning more perpetrators are being identified and punished. Alongside these encouraging figures, reported incidents of antisocial behaviour are also at their lowest level in Dorset since 2007/8, falling by 12% since last year. Reducing this harm on our communities is a key part of my Police and Crime Plan, and I have consistently supported Dorset Police with initiatives targeting ASB including Operation Relentless, 100 Days of Summer and Operation Track, alongside funding community-based solutions to ensure all Dorset residents can feel safe where they live and work. Funding from the precept will also allow Dorset Police to continue initiatives such as Operation Scorpion, which targets those dealing illegal drugs and safeguards vulnerable people in partnership with neighbouring Forces across the south west. The investment we have made in tackling rural crime, and the way it is paying dividends is also of significance. As well as this, the Force is working intensively to tackle shoplifting and business crime, with Dorset’s Operation Shopkeeper focusing on high harm, repeat offenders who are responsible for the majority of shoplifting across the county. This initiative has seen 32 perpetrators targeted in the past year, achieving 696 positive outcomes for victims. Responses to the highest-grade emergency calls are also improving, and thanks to Enhanced Video Response (EVR), victims of crime can opt to speak to an officer over live video rather than in person. This enables victims to have greater choice in how they interact with officers and is completely victim-led. If the victim prefers to see an officer in person, that will always continue to be available. EVR also delivers better value for money for the taxpayer, with increased efficiency, better use of officer time and a reduction in vehicle costs, as well as fuel and maintenance. These savings are being invested back into the frontline, helping to reduce response times to emergency calls requiring immediate or urgent in person attendance. This brief snapshot is just some of the positive work we have seen in the past year. But none of this would be possible without the dedication of the officers, staff and volunteers who work at Dorset Police. My priority remains to provide the Chief Constable with the resources she needs to continue this good work, and with the financial challenges facing Dorset Police in mind, I have sought reassurance from the Chief that the delivery of the Police and Crime Plan will be maintained. I hope the public can support the good work being done and take part in the survey and give me your thoughts and opinions. Together over the last year we have made a positive difference and I want that to continue. But we can’t do it without your help. You can take the survey here. David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Message Sent By: Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner December 13, 2024 Dorset Police urges residents to protect themselves from fraudsters this Christmas Dorset Police is supporting Action Fraud’s 12 Frauds of Christmas campaign for residents to have a #FraudFreeXmas. When celebrating this festive season people are being encouraged to have a #FraudFreeXmas and stay alert to fraudsters taking advantage of the time of year, as Action Fraud reveal the 12 frauds of Christmas. Action Fraud, the national fraud and cybercrime reporting service, has launched a Christmas campaign, revealing 12 fraud types to look out for throughout the festive season. People are being encouraged to stay extra vigilant both online and in person, as criminals will be seeking to take advantage of people at this time of year. Damian Cranny, Fraud Protect Officer at Dorset Police, said “Christmas is meant for giving, not for criminals taking - so let's keep them off our Christmas list. “Criminals don't take a break during the festive season and here in Dorset, we're seeing fraudsters using increasingly sophisticated methods to target our residents. “I strongly encourage everyone to remain vigilant and follow Action Fraud's advice, particularly when shopping online or making any financial transactions. “If you think you've been a victim of fraud, report it to Action Fraud immediately.” New national figures from Action Fraud show that the 12 types of fraud featured in this year’s Christmas campaign resulted in victims losing a combined total of £224 million during the 2023 festive period. Data also shows that nearly three million phishing emails were reported to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS) from November 2023 to January 2024. What are the 12 frauds of Christmas? - Phishing - Pet fraud - Online shopping fraud - Social media and email account hacking - Courier fraud - Romance fraud - Gift card fraud - Charity fraud - Investment fraud - QR code fraud - Holiday Fraud - Ticket Fraud For more information on how to protect yourself and where to report should you suspect fraud, please view the full article here: https://news.dorset.police.uk/news-article/e168ee4e-d1b7-ef11-9d72-6045bdd24049 Message Sent By: Media and Communications December 11, 2024 Witness appeal after suspicious building fire in Christchurch Officers are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward after a suspicious property fire in Christchurch. Dorset Police received a report at 9.45pm on Thursday 5 December 2024 of a fire at an unoccupied address in Salisbury Road in Burton. Officers attended the scene along with the fire service. Following enquiries, it is believed someone kicked the door down to gain entry to the property and started a fire deliberately. Police Constable Jack Honnywill, of Bournemouth Police, said: “As part of my investigation, I am appealing to anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious activity in relation to the building fire in Salisbury Road. “I would ask motorists with a dashcam travelling in the area of the Christchurch Bypass around the relevant time on Thursday evening to please check their footage for anything that may assist my enquiries.” Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email at scit@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240186766. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111. Message Sent By: Media and Communications ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Working with STARS Dorset Today, as the 16 Days of Activism campaign draws to a close, I want to mark it with a focus on one of our commissioned services, STARS Dorset (Sexual Trauma and Recovery Services). STARS is a pan-Dorset charity that offers one to one support, free of charge, for anyone of any age or gender who lives, works, or studies in Dorset and has experienced any form of sexual violence at any time in their life. Alongside the important work STARS carry out as part of this commission, the charity also benefited from a portion of the Safer Streets funding. This funding has been put towards Consent Education and prevention strategies. The Engagement Team delivers education to children, young people and adults in different settings such as pre-school, school, college, University and in the local community focusing on consent, healthy relationships and bystander interventions. Today, I want to hand over to the team at STARS to talk about two important areas of their work – the role of an ISVA (Independent Sexual Violence Advisor) and the Alcohol and Consent Training Team. What do ISVAs do? “ISVA’s offer emotional and practical support to any survivor of sexual violence, with the only criteria is that you live, work or study within Dorset. “Alongside advocacy, the biggest part of our role is supporting people at court. We do pre-trial visits, explain what special measures are available to them and support them in person while they’re giving evidence. Court can feel like an intimidating place, so it’s good for our clients to know that they have someone in their corner. It’s an alien environment, so it’s our job to show them they’re not alone and to help them feel safe. “Currently, we have a team of seven adult ISVAs and four Children and young people ISVA’s at STARS who are a mixture of full and part-time, each handling a caseload of between 30 and 45 clients. Within this team, our ISVAs have specialisms including working with people with learning disabilities, male clients, older people, and we’ve recently introduced another working alongside the police with sex workers. “These roles are important as fundamentally we are empowering the victim to have a voice because they've not had that voice previously. I always say to clients that they’ve been in a situation where they weren't in control and my support is all about putting them back in the driving seat and giving them back that control. “The criminal justice system is a challenging environment and can be frustrating and sometimes devastating for a client. The process is not instantaneous by any means and some victims will not get the result or outcome they deserve and that can be really difficult to navigate and deal with. “If there are people out there who want to talk to us, my biggest advice would be to pick up the phone and give us a call. We're not here to pressurise anyone into reporting. We support people who want to explore their reporting options. Or you don't only have the option to report to the police, you can also report anonymously. “We will believe you and you will be heard.” Engagement Team Stephanie Lee, Engagement Team Leader at STARS Dorset: “We have three people in our Engagement Team in STARS, who all carry out different aspects of work. “Our Harmful Sexual Behaviour Project Worker is working alongside key partners to create a framework of how we will work to identify and put interventions in place for issues around harmful sexual behaviour and problematic sexualised behaviour. “Then we have our Single Point of Contact college worker in Bournemouth and Poole College, whose role is offering education around consent. She is based within the wellbeing team and connects with the engagement and inclusion team, doing things like daily pop-ups, daily drop-ins for staff and students if they've got any concerns as well as hosting campaigns including 16 Days of activism where the students have been making pledges about how they'll be supportive bystanders. It's about creating more spaces where they can ask questions, be met with compassion and understanding and curiosity rather than judgement. This role also looks at dispelling some of the myths and debunking some societal views. A lot of work goes into creating those relationships with staff and students and engaging in a creative way for teenage boys and girls. “Then, our consent engagement worker works with universities and preschools. Working across all University sites (BU, AUB, HSU), we do our weekly drop in where we have one-to-one sessions available, but there are also activities and interactive education resources happening all the time in which we work closely with the University to ensure we’re responding to local and national concerns, trends and topics they’re seeing arise. “With the preschools, we offer sessions with Pantosaurus, focusing on preventing child sexual abuse. The team also goes into schools, sometimes alongside the police to talk about the consequences of harmful sexual behaviour, where it can lead and the impact, alongside different activities around consent to open those important conversations. We try to allow space for young people to be curious in their consent education, we welcome questions and debates to gain clarity. “Our work is very well received, we’re often welcomed with open arms, partly down to our approach. Most places have not seen education like this before or the topic spoken about in this way. We try not to feed into the fear, we bring compassion, curiosity, and open discussion. “Work around consent is not just about slogans and soundbites – it’s far more complex and nuanced which is why our approach has such a positive impact. What we’re doing at STARS in the Engagement Team has a crucial part to play in tackling Violence Against Women and Girls. But society has a much bigger part; we all have a responsibility. Prevention, education, and early education around emotional intelligence is fundamental. Learning about consent from an early age is vital, and continuing those conversations throughout our lives is integral. One lesson or discussion may not solve these issues; it is up to all of us to continue having these discussions and to create safe environments to do so throughout our lives.” Thanks to STARS for their ongoing hard work in this area. Steph is right, we all have a responsibility to tackle VAWG; it is not just up to women to find different ways to stay safe. I thank everyone in Dorset who is working to change attitudes and make a difference where VAWG is concerned. We may not be able to make changes overnight, but together we can all play our part to help those around us, and that can have a big impact. I am committed to working with any group that wants to make Dorset a safer place for women and girls. Their safety is, and will remain, a key priority for me, my office and all partners across the county. David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Message Sent By: Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner December 7, 2024 Arrests and seizures across the region in latest Operation Scorpion drugs crackdown More than 90 people were arrested and £40,000 cash seized during a week of activity across the South West targeting county lines and child criminal exploitation. Last week, the five South West forces joined together for the tenth iteration of Operation Scorpion, the regional crack down on drug dealing and associated crime, which ran in conjunction with the national County Lines Intensification Week. In total across the region: • 95 people were arrested • £47,863 cash was seized • 37kg of suspected cannabis, plus 564 suspected cannabis plants were seized • 3.7kg of suspected cocaine was seized • 107 people were safeguarded, including 32 children The week of activity – from Monday 25 November 2024 to Sunday 1 December 2024 – had a particular focus on child criminal exploitation (CCE), where criminals groom and exploit young people into carrying out crimes on their behalf. In Dorset activity during the week included operations targeting two suspected high harm county lines as well as safeguarding checks, high visibility patrols and joint working with partners and other Forces. A total of 21 people were arrested, with four subsequently charged. Six children were safeguarded, two suspected county lines were closed and a number of weapons were seized including a stun gun, air weapons and various knives. Seizures included around £20,000 in cash, more than £15,000 worth of suspected cocaine and more than £200,000 worth of suspected cannabis. Assistant Chief Constable Mark Callaghan, of Dorset Police, said: “The success of this latest intensification week further demonstrates our commitment to relentlessly pursuing those involved in the supply of class A drugs in our communities and by working with our regional partners it gives us the best chance of disrupting the supply networks.” Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “These results serve to highlight why Operation Scorpion is such an important tool in making not only Dorset, but the South West as a whole, a hostile environment for illegal drugs and those who peddle them.” Read the full news release here: https://news.dorset.police.uk/news-article/ede8e557-cab3-ef11-9d71-6045bdd24049 Message Sent By: Media and Communications ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Results demonstrate the power of Operation Scorpion The tenth iteration of Operation Scorpion took place recently in Dorset and across the wider South West region. Operation Scorpion is a drugs operation which involves all five south west Police and Crime Commissioners, their respective police forces, the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit and other key partners including British Transport Police. It aims to make the whole of the South West a hostile environment for illegal drugs and those who peddle them, with each phase also focusing on a different aspect of drug-related crime. This time around Operation Scorpion – which ran alongside the national County Lines Intensification Week - focused on exploitation, with all five police forces and PCCs raising awareness of the signs to watch out for, especially among young people. In Dorset, I support an organisation called Escapeline who help children stay safe by educating them about how child exploitation and grooming happens, while also teaching them protective strategies. The charity works alongside police across the South West and also provides education and training for professionals including youth workers, social workers, health professionals and the police. You can read more about their work here along with some important advice on the signs to be aware of. During the week of action in Dorset there were: - Six children safeguarded. - Seven warrants executed. - More than £20,000 cash seized. - Two high harm drugs lines closed. - 21 arrests. - More than 200,000 of cannabis seized. - Weapons recovered including knives, machetes, a stun gun and zombie knife. In total across the region: - 95 people were arrested - £47,863 cash was seized - 37kg of cannabis, plus 564 cannabis plants were seized - 3.7kg of cocaine was seized - 107 people were safeguarded, including 32 children These results serve to highlight why Operation Scorpion is such an important tool in our fight against illegal drugs. Shutting down two county lines, recovering weapons including zombie knives and a stun gun, and seizing more than £200,000 of cannabis are terrific results and contribute towards making Dorset a safer place to live, work and visit. Through continued close working with our neighbouring colleagues and other agencies, the power of this regional partnership was once again demonstrated. Alongside the warrants and robust enforcement from the Force, this iteration of Operation Scorpion safeguarded six children. Policing is not just about banging down doors and arrests; it enables vulnerable people in our communities to be protected and that is vital in our fight against illegal drugs. Of course, these results would not be possible without the crucial intelligence reported by members of the public and that’s why I would urge people in Dorset to continue to tell us about issues in your community. Your report could be the missing piece of puzzle and help to make results like these possible, and Dorset #NoPlaceForDrugs. I want to be clear that our work in Dorset will continue apace; targeting criminality, taking drugs off the streets, smashing county lines, safeguarding vulnerable people and working closely with our neighbouring Forces to put a ring of steel around the South West. David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Message Sent By: Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner December 5, 2024 Take part in our Cybercrime Survey! Along with our Cyberhood Watch partner, Avast, we are launching the latest Cybercrime Survey which will help us understand the impact of online crime and scams on our members. There's also the opportunity of winning some very useful M&S vouchers! Enter now The findings of the survey will be used to inform the ongoing Cyberhood Watch awareness initiatives and help our Cyberhood Watch Ambassadors. It will also draw attention to important topics which will help everyone protect themselves - and their loved ones - from cyber criminals. The survey will close on Friday 15 December - we'd really love to hear your views and of course, we will load the report onto our website once it is available so you can take a look for yourself! Thanks in advance for your support in the fight against cybercrime in the UK. Message Sent By: Sandra Bauer (NWN, Head of Policy, Partnerships and Projects, England and Wales) December 3, 2024 Dorset Police launches ‘Festive Feedback’ campaign encouraging reporting of drink or drug drivers In support of the national drink and drug drive Operation Limit campaign, we are launching our ‘Festive Feedback’ campaign to encourage you to report a drink or drug driver and work together to prevent a collision happening in your area. The initiative is taking place between Monday 2 December 2024 and Wednesday 1 January 2025. For every report that is made to police during the month of December in relation to a suspected drink or drug driver, this will be followed up by a call updating the informant about what police action was taken. Anecdotally, we hear that people are hesitant to report a drink or drug driver as they do not believe anything will be done about it. We want to dispel this theory as part of our ‘Festive Feedback’ drink or drug drive campaign and will be providing a call back direct to the informant at a later date to show our appreciation and to provide an update on what has happened. Throughout the month, a raft of activity will be conducted and officers will be carrying out intelligence-led checks on motorists, as well as raising awareness of the dangers of driving while under the influence. If you suspect someone has been drinking or has taken drugs and is about to drive, please dial 999 and provide the make and model of the vehicle, registration number and direction of travel. Read more about the campaign here: https://news.dorset.police.uk/news-article/e40f399d-95b0-ef11-9d71-6045bdd24049 Message Sent By: Media and Communications December 2, 2024 Appeal for witnesses and dashcam following serious collision near Dorchester Officers are appealing for witnesses or anyone with relevant dashcam footage to come forward following a serious injury road traffic collision on the A35 near Dorchester. Dorset Police received a report at 1.49pm on Sunday 1 December 2024 of a collision between Dorchester and Winterbourne Abbas, near to Tilly Whim Lane, involving a black Ford Fiesta, a white Seat Ibiza and a black Land Rover. Emergency services attended and a passenger from the Seat, a woman aged in her 50s, was taken to hospital for treatment to injuries that are believed to be life-threatening. Her family has been informed. The driver of the Land Rover, a man aged in his 70s, was taken to hospital for treatment to injuries that were not believed to be serious. Three further people were treated at the scene by the ambulance service but did not require hospital treatment. Road closures were put in place to allow the emergency services to respond to the incident and for an examination of the scene to take place. The road was reopened at around 6.25pm. Sergeant Mike Burt, of the Serious Collision Investigation Team, said: “We are carrying out enquiries to establish the full circumstances of this collision and I would urge any witnesses to the incident, or the manner of driving of the vehicles involved prior to it, to please contact us if you have not already spoken to police. “I would also urge any motorists with dashcam who were travelling in the area to please check their footage to see if they have captured anything of relevance. “Finally, I would like to thank members of the public for their patience and understanding as I fully appreciate this incident resulted in the closure of a main route. The closure was absolutely necessary for the emergency services to respond and to allow for an examination of the collision scene to be conducted.” Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email at scit@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240184365. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111. Message Sent By: Media and Communications November 30, 2024 Knowing the signs of child criminal exploitation Solving crime is not just about robust enforcement. When it comes to protecting vulnerable people, early intervention and impactful education is vital. That’s why, alongside the important safeguarding work Dorset Police carry out, I support valuable services to provide help for victims and communities in a bid to educate about issues such as child criminal exploitation. One of these services is the charity Escapeline, who help children stay safe by educating them about how child exploitation and grooming happens, while also teaching them protective strategies. Escapeline work across the South West alongside police forces and other agencies, also providing education and training for professionals such as youth workers, social workers, health professionals and police. Their CEO Lisa is here to tell us a little more about the situation in Dorset, and what all parents, families, carers, and guardians should be looking out for. “The key with dealing with the very complex situation of county lines and child criminal exploitation is working together, taking advice, and using information from the agencies who are best placed to help you. “In Dorset, the partnership working, and the willingness I have seen from the police and partners to ask questions and listen to the answers should be highlighted as good practice. Everyone is pulling in the right direction and that really is the key to making a difference. “As part of our work, I take care to explain that there is never an easy answer, each county line and individual case is very different; there are a myriad of factors which change what advice we give and it’s important to recognise that complexity. But simply recognising and acknowledging there is a problem is crucial, and that’s what Dorset has recognised. It is clearly a priority for each partner in Dorset, and that is crucial. “What we’re seeing in Dorset is not unusual. It’s mirrored across the South West and nationally, but in terms of attracting young people we’re seeing vapes used more and more. Often these vapes contain drugs as well, so there is a risk of high harm there and that’s why we need more people to be in tune with the signs of county lines recruitment and child exploitation. “Children are also being targeted at a younger age, our youngest child we’re working with in Dorset is eight. That’s why we’re working in more primary schools in order to talk to youngsters at an early age. Part of what we’re doing now includes some role play, with a scenario in a park which gets the pupils really thinking about the meaning of certain interactions and situations before it gets normalised, which we know it can as they get older. “That’s why catching those early signs is so important. A friendship group change, where some of the new group are a bit older is a classic sign, along with language changes, getting more aggressive, distancing from family and siblings is also key. “Keep an eye on the types of social media platforms your children are accessing as well. We know some such as Snapchat and Telegram are also used for recruitment and drug dealing. It’s incredibly worrying, and I would urge parents not to dismiss any small behaviour changes they’re seeing. You know your children, if you sense something is off, then ring the alarm, there are people here to help you.” Thanks to Lisa for her honest and stark words on what I know is a major concern for parents. There are things you can do to protect you and them, and talking to your children about these issues is the start. If you see any of these signs in your children, or someone you know, then reach out for help. I am clear that we need three things to robustly tackle these crimes: tough enforcement, effective intervention and we need impactful prevention. That’s why through joint working with our partners including our neighbouring OPCCs and Forces in the south west, expert knowledge from organisations like Escapeline and the right type of education, we are sending a clear message that we will not tolerate those intent on bringing harm to our communities and exploiting our vulnerable citizens. Spot the signs: - A young person who is accompanied by individual(s) who are older than them. - A young person being instructed or controlled by another individual. - A young person travelling alone, particularly in school hours, late at night or frequently. - A young person looking lost, or they are in unfamiliar surroundings. - A young person displaying behaviours that make you worry about them, for example anxiety, anger or being frightened. - A young person being in possession of more than one mobile phone. - A young person carrying lots of cash or appearing to live above their means and have the latest gadget or clothes. - A young person who is potentially under the influence of drugs or alcohol. - A young person seen begging in a public space. Report your concerns: - Call the police on 101 or 999 in an emergency. You can report your intelligence online - If you are on a train, text British Transport Police on 61016 - Call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 and remain completely anonymous. You can also report online - Call the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 if you’re concerned about a child. David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Message Sent By: Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner November 28, 2024 PCC supports White Ribbon Day and 16 Days of Activism Today is White Ribbon Day and the start of the 16 Days of Activism, two very important occasions in highlighting Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). White Ribbon Day aims to address the behaviours and attitudes of men to try to combat these despicable offences committed against women and girls, encouraging men to hold themselves accountable to bring about positive change and transform harmful cultures. The campaign calls for men and boys to be allies of women and girls and stop violence before it starts. The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign, also challenging violence against women and girls. This year, the campaign will also draw attention to the alarming escalation of this violence, something which has rightly assumed further prominence at a national level this summer when the National Police Chiefs’ Council stated violence against women and girls had reached epidemic levels in terms of its scale, complexity and impact on victims. The NPCC launched the ‘Prepare, Protect, Pursue, Prevent’ strategy, a national whole-system approach which I wholeheartedly welcomed. I have always believed and continue to believe that the issue of VAWG goes much further than simply robust enforcement from the police. It must encompass education, early intervention, better opportunities for safeguarding and societal shifts as well, which is why a whole-system approach is absolutely vital. In Dorset, we know this approach works and I am committed to driving this forward, alongside the police and our partners. As Police and Crime Commissioner, I established the VAWG scrutiny panel, which has now been running for just over a year. This does the vital job of reviewing the handling of public contact relating to VAWG cases such as rape, stalking and domestic abuse to ensure these reports are being handled appropriately. This is alongside Rape and Serious Sexual Offence (RASSO) scrutiny panels to ensure investigation standards and victim service is maintained. I have also commissioned victim services including Victim Support, The Shores – Dorset Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), and STARS Dorset to ensure high quality care for all victims of these distressing crimes. Significant Safer Streets funding has also been assigned to provide further support for initiatives to tackle VAWG across Dorset, building upon the work already being carried out by partners. Alongside these measures and initiatives, I also chair the Dorset Criminal Justice Board, to do exactly what is being proposed nationally with VAWG; engender a better understanding between partners and progress shared objectives and issues which affect the partnership as a whole. We have seen improved outcomes for Dorset residents as a result of working closely together, and I remain dedicated to ensuring this continues. Work across our county to tackle VAWG is intensive. Due to its nature, often this work goes unseen but I can assure you it involves community safety partnerships and multi-agency working alongside robust scrutiny and enforcement. All agencies are aligned in our determination to not only deliver positive changes, but to provide high-quality intervention and support for victims. This was evident at a VAWG conference organised by my Office in the summer, which focused on keeping our children and young people safe, particularly those aged 0-11 years old. In targeting the event on the very beginning of a child’s life, it allowed discussion and information around healthy relationships and appropriate behaviours, and thanks to the brilliant speakers from the OPCC, Dorset Police, The Shores and STARS, as well as Paragon, it provided quality information and feedback to build upon for the future. During the 16 Days of Activism, I will be highlighting some of the initiatives in action in Dorset which are working to bring about the changes we are all determined to see. From Safer Streets projects, to services commissioned by my office which are making a real difference to women and girls, I want to shine a light on what is happening in our county to tackle these abhorrent crimes and support victims of crime. I have always been very clear; it is not up to women and girls to find ways to stay safe. We need to push for change across our society and tackle the deep issues which lead to so many men committing crimes against women. Getting to the root of this behaviour is the only way we can deal with the issue of violence against women and girls for the sake of our future generations. As the White Ribbon Day campaign itself states, it starts with men. Help be part of the change we all want, to ensure women and girls are safe, and feel safe, whether on a night out or in their own homes. David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Message Sent By: Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fatal collision in Christchurch – witness and dashcam appeal Officers are appealing for witnesses or anyone with relevant dashcam footage to come forward following a fatal road traffic collision in Christchurch. Dorset Police received a report at 5.38pm on Tuesday 26 November 2024 of a collision on Barrack Road, near to the Bailey Roundabout, involving a black Land Rover and a pedestrian. Emergency services attended and very sadly the pedestrian – a local man aged in his 80s – was pronounced dead at the scene. His family has been informed. Road closures were put in place as the emergency services responded and a detailed examination of the scene was conducted. The road reopened at around 11.20pm. Sergeant Lee Savage, of the Roads Policing Team, said: “Our thoughts are very much with the family and loved ones of the man who sadly died at this extremely difficult time. “We are carrying out a full investigation in order to establish the circumstances of what happened and I would urge any witnesses who have not already spoken to police to please contact us. “I am also keen to hear from any motorists who may have captured any relevant footage on dashcam, as well as businesses or residents with CCTV footage that might assist our enquiries. “Finally, I would like to thank members of the public for their patience and understanding during the road closures, which were necessary to allow the emergency services to respond and to allow an examination of the collision scene to be conducted.” Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email at scit@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240181976. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111. Message Sent By: Media and Communications ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Search for wanted man – public appeal Officers are appealing for information from the public as they carry out enquiries to locate a wanted man from Bournemouth. James Foy, aged 53, is wanted on recall to prison after failing to comply with the terms of his licence following his release. He is described as five feet seven inches tall, of slim build with short, brown hair. View image here: https://news.dorset.police.uk/news-article/177cf642-fbab-ef11-9d71-6045bdd24049 Detective Sergeant Richard Barnett, of Dorset Police, said: “We have been carrying out a number of enquiries to locate Foy, but these have so far proved unsuccessful and I would urge anyone with information regarding his whereabouts to please contact us. “While there is no information to suggest Foy presents a risk to the general public, we would urge anyone who sees him not to approach him but to instead dial 999 immediately.” If you see James Foy you should call 999 immediately. Anyone with other information should call 101, quoting occurrence 55240172060 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111. Message Sent By: Media and Communications ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Staying safe during severe weather events We have continued to see news reports from across England and Wales, sharing accounts of severe weather events and the damage that they have caused in local communities over the past weekend, to homes, businesses, and individuals. We urge everyone to stay safe during these extreme weather events, and to check on vulnerable neighbours or members of your community when possible. Please listen to updates and weather warnings from your local government services to remain informed of the situation in your local area. You can check for flood warnings in England using this Government website, and you can check for flood warnings in Wales using this website. This page from Age UK's website offers advice on how to support elderly residents during a flood crisis, and this UK Government website offers advice on what to do after you've been affected by flooding. With best wishes, Neighbourhood Watch Network's Central Support Team. Message Sent By: Ruby Smart (Neighbourhood Watch Network, Head of Communications and Digital, National) November 23, 2024 What we are doing to support young people and reduce ASB in Dorset This week is Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week, an ideal opportunity to reflect on some of the work which has taken place in the past year, particularly involving young people on the cusp of or having committed offences. One of the partnerships which provides this intervention is the Dorset Combined Youth Justice Service (DCYJS) which is a statutory partnership consisting of BCP Council, Dorset Council, Dorset Police, National Probation Service Dorset and NHS Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group. The partnership works with children in the local youth justice system, to help make positive changes to their lifestyle, keep them safe and secure, and offer assistance and reparation to the victims. DCYJS run workshops in Bournemouth and Dorchester, while also operating the ‘Discover You’ programme at Upton Country Park in Poole. Designed for older children, it promotes practical activities such as woodwork, conservation, crafting, orienteering, team building and photography. Teenagers can gain AQA certificates in employability and practical skills, as well as opportunities for qualifications in food hygiene, barista skills, first aid, fire safety or customer service. They can also learn about construction to get a CSCS card that facilitates future work on building sites. These vocational learning sessions on offer are crucial so these children don’t enter the workplace at a disadvantage to their peers, who are completing mainstream education. As part of this intervention work, young people learn to develop empathy for victims alongside a realisation of the need to repair harm. It is pivotal that children understand there are consequences for bad behaviour and recognise they have a valuable place in society. A greater sense of self-worth and reduced feelings of boredom are likely to divert children away from ASB offending that impacts their communities, and that is what DCYJS helps to achieve. I want to pass today’s newsletter over to Kirsty Reed, who leads the ‘Discover You’ programme, to explain what is happening to change the trajectory of these young people and subsequently, improve the lives of all communities across our county: There is a lot more difficulty for young people now compared to when I first started this line of work. That is not a justification for their offences, but we must address those underlying issues that might contribute towards disruptive behaviour rather than simply focus on the offence. We start discussions early on in our work with young people about their future as for many we support, they have no direction or motivation in their life. Opening their minds to interesting careers and providing a clear route of how to reach that desired destination, is one way to prevent children committing ASB and keep them on a law-abiding path. Our aim is to provide a holistic service, so they are better equipped to deal with life as a young adult. That does involve help with qualifications and starting thoughts on careers, but we also have mental health nurses on hand who can deal with drug and alcohol issues that children may experience. In some cases, those we support are dealing with issues at home and we try to give advice to families and support in other ways. For instance, sometimes the child’s offending occurs in the context of household poverty, so we engage with their parents to help with benefit applications. Discover You is about getting a group of young people together who may have low confidence so feel unable to continue with employment, education or training, and putting them in a positive, fun and friendly environment which lifts them up and builds on their skills. And on some occasions, the young people do re-enter college, or move into apprenticeships, training or jobs. The programme gets children into a routine which gives them something to wake up for and look forward to. Our group built an animal habitat with a hedgehog hut, bug habitat and bird box at Upton Country Park recently so they learnt about wildlife, nature and woodwork skills. We also spent time making items for Upton Park’s Halloween trail event with items sold and money going to local charities, supported with conservation work by cutting down hedgerows for birds that are nesting and refurbished one of the bird screens. Children are normally referred to the programme after receiving a court order or an out of court disposal. Not everyone that attends does engage at first, but I have seen socially anxious or uninterested children upon arrival, that after a few sessions do flourish and open up to become talkative, happy individuals that are then able to give their views and take part in group activities. They are then able to take positive steps forward, meeting project outcomes and their own goals. That demonstrates our work really does help people in Dorset at a crucial time in their young lives. Thanks to Kirsty for detailing the important work DCYJS are doing to help improve Dorset and reduce ASB. ASB is not always a matter for the police to deal with. If you are the victim of ASB or want to report an incident, I urge you to look at Dorset Police’s dedicated ASB page here, which will signpost you towards agencies that can support. We must strike the right balance, so young people are held responsible for their actions while avoiding the unnecessary criminalisation of children through the courts for low-level offences. I have always been clear that Dorset must take a robust approach to dealing with those committing anti-social behaviour, as it has a large and detrimental impact on the quality of people’s daily lives and feelings of safety in their neighbourhood. David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Message Sent By: Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner November 22, 2024 ASB Awareness Week: A positive update from the past year This week is Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week, an opportunity to reflect on some of the work which has taken place in the past year. Since I became Dorset’s Police and Crime Commissioner, I have been determined to robustly tackle anti-social behaviour, as I know the impact it can have on people’s quality of life. My dedication to reducing this harm on our communities is why I made dealing with anti-social behaviour (ASB) a key part of my Police and Crime Plan and have consistently supported Dorset Police with different initiatives including Operation Relentless, 100 Days of Summer and Operation Track, alongside funding community-based solutions over the years. Targeted work from the Force alongside strong collaboration with partners, has seen Dorset record the lowest number of anti-social behaviour incidents since 2007/08, as shown in recent figures. In the year to March 2024, reported offences dropped by 12 percent from the year before. Furthermore, ASB reports across the county have fallen by almost 50% since 2020/21 when I came to office. These positive statistics demonstrate we are moving in the right direction, and I will continue working relentlessly to drive down this harmful behaviour. My own Operation Relentless Community Fund, which helps local projects reduce ASB has now supported 39 projects from all corners of the county to deliver CCTV to community hubs and churches and provide young people with diversions to keep them away from problematic behaviour. Dorset’s Immediate Justice initiative which launched 12 months ago continues to play an important role in our strategy to combat ASB. It sees first time offenders who have committed low-level ASB carry out reparative work such as litter picking, graffiti cleaning or support to Dorset Reclaim, a charity that upscales furniture for people on low incomes. The reparative work sessions are overseen by our partner, Red Snapper Managed Services. I will briefly pass over to their Contracts Manager, Steff Edwards, to explain a little more about their work: “50 adult offenders in Dorset have completed 7-14 hours each of reparative activity since the scheme began. Service users often show a large amount of remorse, shame and embarrassment for their poor behaviour. They recognise their wrongs and want to give back to the community, as a way of repairing the harm caused. Individuals carry out their reparative activities within two weeks of their offence. “Immediate Justice is pivotal, especially given the current pressure on the Criminal Justice System. What the initiative does is empower police officers and communities with the ability to address low-level offences at the roots, and stop it escalating into more serious crime. Being made to litter pick for example, is often the wake-up call people need to change their path. “It stops unnecessarily criminalising people and our supervisors can signpost them towards other agencies for help with employment, housing, substance use or other needs, if it becomes clear those are factors contributing to their bad behaviour.” Thanks to Steff for detailing the important work Red Snapper are doing to help improve Dorset and reduce ASB locally. In my recent annual survey, almost two-thirds of you said ASB was the type of crime most likely to affect where you live. While it is right to acknowledge the continued hard work and success of Dorset Police, my office and partners who are fighting to solve this problem, I am aware there is still more required to give you the feeling of being protected from the daily grind of ASB. ASB is not always a matter for the police to deal with. If you are the victim of ASB or want to report an incident, I urge you to look at Dorset Police’s dedicated ASB page here, which will signpost you towards agencies that can support. I am clear that working together with our partners, we will capitalise on these positive figures, crack down on the incidents which make people’s lives a misery and ensure all Dorset’s residents can feel safe where they live and work. David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Attachments Adult Immediate Justice Photo.JPG Message Sent By: Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Appeal for information following burglary in Christchurch Officers investigating a burglary at a home in Christchurch are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward. Between the evening of Saturday 9 November and the morning of Sunday 10 November 2024, entry was forced to a residential address in Hurn Road while it was unoccupied. A number of items were stolen including a Makita cordless drill, a Panasonic Lumix digital camera, a Louisville Slugger American baseball bat, five pairs of sunglasses including a pair of Oakley Holbrook glasses, a Makita plunge saw and a money box containing a small amount of change. Police Constable Amy Evans, of Bournemouth police, said: “We are carrying out enquiries into this burglary and I would urge anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area on the night in question to please make contact with us. “I would also urge local residents with home CCTV systems or doorbell cameras, as well as any motorists who were in the vicinity and have dashcam fitted, to please check their footage for anything of relevance to our investigation. “Finally, I would be keen to hear from anyone who has come across items matching those described above being offered for sale locally or online in suspicious circumstances.” Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240173270. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111. Message Sent By: Media and Communications November 21, 2024 Dorset Police and partners support ASB Awareness Week 2024 Dorset Police and partners are encouraging communities to take a stand against anti-social behaviour (ASB) and highlight the actions that can be taken to tackle it during a week of targeted action. Running from Monday 18 November to Sunday 24 November 2024, ASB Awareness Week is a national campaign aimed at alerting members of the public to the issues of ASB in their communities. Throughout the week, officers and Police Community Support Officers across Dorset will be visiting ASB hotspots, speaking to schools and businesses, and holding community drop-in events. Dorset Police will also be posting regularly on its social media channels throughout the week, informing the public of what constitutes ASB and providing details of the different agencies best placed to tackle it. There are three main categories of ASB: - Personal anti-social behaviour is when a person targets a specific individual or group. - Nuisance anti-social behaviour is when a person causes trouble, annoyance or suffering to a community. - Environmental anti-social behaviour is when a person’s actions affect the wider environment, such as public spaces or buildings. According to recent Dorset Police figures, anti-social behaviour is continuing to fall across the county. Reports of personal ASB have fallen by 39 per cent, nuisance ASB has fallen by 19 per cent and environmental ASB has fallen by 27 per cent since 2022. Dorset Police is encouraging members of the public not to suffer in silence if they experience ASB. They are encouraged to report it and together we can keep these numbers down. Please follow this link to read the rest of the article, which features comments from Chief Superintendent for Dorset Police Heather Dixey, Dorset Police Crime Commissioner David Sidwick, Cllr Kieran Wilson of BCP Council and Cllr Gill Taylor of Dorset Council: https://news.dorset.police.uk/news-article/70efcc74-a7a5-ef11-9d71-6045bdd24049 You can report anti-social behaviour at https://www.dorset.police.uk or by calling Dorset Police on 101. As always in an emergency where life is at risk or a crime is being committed dial 999. If we are not able to deal with your complaint directly, we will give you advice on which local agency can help and how to contact them. The police and other local agencies have a variety of different powers to tackle anti-social behaviour. As a guide local councils have the powers to deal with: - Abandoned vehicles - Graffiti and flyposting - Damage to public property - Rubbish and fly tipping - Noise, including loud music, noisy neighbours, parties, alarms, animals and noise from pubs and clubs For more information about ASB if you are a BCP Council resident, visit this website: https://www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/communities/crime-safety-and-emergencies/antisocial-behaviour For more information about ASB if you are a Dorset Council resident, visit this website: https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/anti-social-behaviour For more information about ASB and how to report it to police, visit https://www.dorset.police.uk/asb and https://www.dorset.police.uk/ro/report/asb/asb-v3/report-antisocial-behaviour/ Find your neighbourhood policing team by visiting https://www.dorset.police.uk/area/your-area/ For more information about ASB Awareness Week visit https://www.resolveuk.org.uk/ Message Sent By: Dorset Police - Media Team November 18, 2024 How Dorset OPCC is working to tackle violence and knife crime Sceptre is a week dedicated to tackling and raising awareness of knife crime. It is important that during this week, the work being carried out across Dorset to tackle this harmful crime is highlighted to the public and our key partners. However, I want you to know that while you may see more this week about the work Dorset Police and my team at the OPCC are doing, our focus is on this important issue all year round - and is relentless. Earlier this year, my team worked with officers and staff at Dorset Police’s Safer Schools and Communities Team to produce a series of hard-hitting videos on the impact of knife crime, to be shown in schools and educational settings. The four videos feature different people who have all experienced the tragic consequences and impact of knife crime; these are Sarah Robinson, the mother of Cameron Hamilton, Matt Baker, a consultant in emergency medicine at University Hospitals Dorset, a Dorset Police officer, and a youth mentor with child exploitation charity Escapeline, who was previously involved in county lines and experienced knife crime. These videos have been shown to young people throughout this week as part of the SSCT programme of education they are delivering in schools across the county. Today, I would like to introduce one of my OPCC team, who heads up a team dedicated to reducing violence in Dorset. Rachel Young, Head of Violence Reduction and Prevention is spearheading this area of work, collaborating with partners to ensure interventions and diversions, and identifying those most at risk so adequate safeguards are put in place. Over to Rachel to explain more. Although Dorset remains in the top ten safest places to live in the UK, we acknowledge that our communities are concerned about the prevalence of knife crime. In Dorset, incidents of knife crime remain low, but we’re not complacent about this – far from it. Nationally, the Home Office previously provided funding for 20 areas to pilot a Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) approach. A VRU brings together partner agencies including Local Authorities, Health, and Education sectors, to co-ordinate a commissioning of services which aim to prevent serious violence. This co-ordinated response is shaped by a needs assessment which clearly identifies local issues and gaps in provision. Dorset was not a funded VRU area, but the PCC has committed funding to lay the groundwork and build on the incredible progress made by our local community safety partnerships, as part of his commitment to tackling this issue as part of the Police and Crime Plan. According to research commissioned by the Home Office, there are two consistent drivers to serious violence – drugs and vulnerability. In September 2022 the Dorset Combatting Drugs Partnership Board was established, chaired by Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick. This partnership approach to tackling drugs within Dorset has three key areas of work – enforcement, prevention and treatment and recovery - and targets the driver to serious violence related to drugs. The OPCC’s Violence Reduction and Prevention team, which I head up, are now focusing on vulnerability. We know through research related to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) that adversity during childhood can have significant impact on physical and mental health during adulthood but can also create a vulnerability that can be targeted for the purposes of criminal exploitation. The 10 identified ACEs are: - physical abuse - sexual abuse - psychological abuse - physical neglect - psychological neglect - witnessing domestic abuse - having a close family member who misused drugs or alcohol - having a close family member with mental health problems - having a close family member who served time in prison - parental separation or divorce on account of relationship breakdown Therefore, rather than waiting for a child to be targeted and exploited, our goal is to commission quality early intervention that can prevent these ACEs having a long-term negative impact on a child’s life. Early in the new year we will be starting a conversation with Dorset’s young people to understand serious violence from their perspective and experiences. Our aim is to listen to young people and create a feedback loop so they can see the impact of their voice. We want to co-create a plan with young people, for young people. This will run alongside a needs assessment which will bring together a number of data sources from both local services and national data sets. Getting behind the data will help us to better understand the local picture of serious violence and the local gaps in provision. Data and lived experience together give us the best possible guidance to commission services that make a positive impact on the lives of children and young people in Dorset. Thanks to Rachel for such a clear explanation of her and the team’s work, and what we hope to achieve. Safeguarding young people from exploitation and crime is crucial; the impact of early positive intervention cannot be underestimated. That’s why I have spent so long campaigning for a Violence Reduction Unit in Dorset – because we can see the results are very encouraging. Dorset is getting onto the front foot to ensure our residents are safe and can have confidence that we are committed to tackling this. I want to be clear; I want the benefits a VRU brings to ensure we stay a safe county. While Dorset does have a low rate of knife crime, there are too many young people picking up knives and that is why there is no room for complacency because lives can be changed in a heartbeat. David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Message Sent By: Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner November 14, 2024 Winter Fuel Payment Scam Alert Scammers are promoting fake 'Winter Fuel Payments' on social media, claiming people of certain ages can receive £500 or £575. These payments do not actually exist. If you are eligible for the legitimate UK government Winter Fuel Payment, you would have received a letter in October or will get one in November stating your payment amount. Be cautious of any ads or posts on Facebook, Instagram, or other platforms offering 'winter fuel payments'. These are scams designed to steal your personal and financial information. To spot these scams: The Winter Fuel Payment is administered by the UK government, not private companies Legitimate payments come via letter, not unsolicited online offers The amounts being advertised (£500, £575) do not match actual payment amounts If you have any concerns, contact the UK government's Winter Fuel Payment Centre. Do not provide any information or make payments in response to suspicious online ads. If you have been a victim of fraud contact Action Fraud and call your bank fraud department on 159. Message Sent By: Damian Cranny (Dorset Police, Fraud Protect Officer, Dorset ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Update on arrest following deaths at care home in Swanage Detectives are continuing to investigate the deaths of three residents at a care home in Swanage and are issuing an update. Dorset Police received a report at 7.16am on Wednesday 23 October 2024 regarding the unexplained death of three residents at the Gainsborough Care Home in Ulwell Road. An investigation is being conducted by detectives from the Major Crime Investigation Team and as part of initial enquiries into the deaths, a 60-year-old local woman was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. Following further investigative work, she has now been released from the investigation without charge. The deaths of the three residents – two men aged 74 and 91 and an 86-year-old woman – are still being treated as unexplained. Detective Chief Inspector Neil Third, of the Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “The deceased and their loved ones remain at the forefront of our minds throughout our investigation. “Over recent weeks we have been continuing to gather as much information as we can, working with HM Coroner, to establish a cause of death. “To enable us to take a full account and recover any available evidence, while providing legal protection to the person, we made an arrest as part of our enquiries. The arrest was also made to establish where there were any actions or omissions by that individual that were believed to be grossly negligent and we have now reached a position where we do not believe that to be the case. “Our investigation is very much still ongoing and we are awaiting results from detailed forensic submissions and analysis to assist us in establishing the causes of the deaths, which may take several months. “The families of the residents who sadly died are being kept informed with any updates in the investigation.” Message Sent By: Dorset Police - Media Team -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tackling knife crime – how one grandmother is fighting to make a difference This week is Sceptre week, a national week of action focused on tackling knife crime. While Dorset has a low rate of knife crime, I, along with Dorset Police, are determined to keep it that way to stop another family suffering the heartbreak that others have tragically experienced. Tackling knife crime remains a key priority for the Force and is an important part of my Police and Crime Plan under the priority to Fight Violent Crime and High Harm. I know the havoc that knife crime can wreak on families and communities; it is truly devastating. Last year, a young man called Cameron Hamilton died after he was stabbed while in Bournemouth town centre. In the aftermath of that tragic day, his courageous grandmother, Tracy Jose, has dedicated herself to fighting knife crime and set up a charity, Changes Are Made (C.A.M), in memory of her beloved grandson. Today, I want to invite her to tell us about the work she is doing and what she hopes to achieve. “The impact of knife crime is very real as my family has sadly experienced first-hand. The pain we have all suffered as the result of losing Cam has been inexplicable, which is why we believe anything that gets young people engaging and talking about knife crime is so important. “As Cameron’s grandmother, I would ask everyone to think twice before they make a choice which could have serious consequences for them, and potentially devastate other families like ours. I think the simple thing that young people need to understand is that if there had not been a knife present on August 5 last year, Cam would still be alive and here with us today. This is why I have set-up the charity, Changes Are Made, in honour of Cam, with the hope it can make a difference in the fight against knife crime and help stop the senseless loss of life. “The main aim of C.A.M is to help, support, educate, prevent, and deter young people from carrying knives. I hope that through a victim’s family member speaking directly to youngsters in schools and colleges about what happened to Cam and our family, it will have a different kind of impact on them, different to anything else they have heard before. We hope to open conversations within peer groups, parents, carers, teachers and get youngsters to think twice before picking up a knife in the first place. “My long-term plan, Cameron’s legacy, is to bring all the people I need around a table to ensure there is a permanent educational hub opened, where all children in the Dorset area get the chance to visit and learn about the impacts, dangers and ripple effects of carrying and using knives. Alongside this big piece of work, I have also collaborated with West Howe Community Enterprises and coach and mentor Marc Smith to launch C.A.M Club, a boxing and fitness club for young people between the ages of 9-16. I’m excited to say we had 20 people attend the first session, all full of enthusiasm. We will be funding the cost of coaching and the venue for the next 12 months, to show commitment to the youngsters that we can be a constant they can rely on. We believe it’s a fantastic opportunity for the young people in the community to come together in a safe and welcoming environment to learn positive new skills which will help them gain the confidence to make the right choices in their lives - something we know can be difficult for young people to do within their peer groups. In time, as we join forces with more clubs and groups, we are hoping to be able to signpost young people from our website towards the sports clubs and activities who are sending out the same message around the dangers of carrying knives as C.A.M. We really hope the weekly C.A.M. Club at The Henry Brown Centre in West Howe will be the first of many in the BCP area, helping to promote positive change in our communities by providing young people with better choices. “Recently, I was asked to address the Dorset Magistrates AGM and speak about the effects of knife crime on victims and their families. To a room of 170 magistrates, I explained what had happened to Cam and subsequently the perpetrator, and I read my victim impact statement which I had written for the trial. I felt this best described the devastating impact and reality of the aftermath of someone choosing to carry and use a knife. I ended with this simple but very sad truth: “The question I was asked to speak to you about today was this: ‘What are the impacts of knife crime on victims and their families?’ ““It turns out the answer is a very simple one. The impact of knife crime on victims and their families is immeasurable, infinite as the number of impacts will increase over time and these in turn will continue to affect us all forever, throughout the whole of our lives.”” I want to thank Tracy for her bravery in speaking from her heart, not just today, but in all that she is doing. It is truly inspirational. Knife crime and the reasons behind it cannot be solved through policing alone. We need to make sure the right services are provided at the right time as when this can happen, it has a positive ripple effect on that person’s family, their friends, their community, and society in general. Through a broad church of expertise and multi-agency working, along with the determination of the public and incredible people like Tracy all pulling in the same direction at the same time, we can all help to turn the tide for future generations in Dorset. David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Message Sent By: Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner November 14, 2024 Update – wanted man has been located Officers searching for wanted man Simon Pope can confirm he has been located and arrested. The 35-year-old from Bournemouth was wanted for failing to appear in court in connection with numerous shoplifting offences. Following enquiries by officers, he has now been located. We would like to thank everyone who shared our appeal. Message Sent By: Dorset Police - Media Team ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Letter to our Black communities Chief Constable Amanda Pearson has issued a letter to the county’s Black communities acknowledging institutional racism within the organisation and providing reassurance about the steps the Force will be taking to deliver fair and equitable policing to all. You can find the letter by following this link: https://news.dorset.police.uk/news-article/25022678-a7a1-ef11-9d71-6045bdd24049 Message Sent By: Dorset Police - Media Team November 12, 2024 Circles South West: How they are helping reduce sexual violence in Dorset Reducing high harm and ending violence against women and girls are priorities of my Police and Crime Plan. While sexual offences are committed against both genders, it is largely a crime impacting women. Police records show that nationally, the victim is female in 86% of sexual offences. I have said before that’s it is not up to women to find ways to ‘stay safe’ and that women should ‘feel’ safe, whether that’s when they are in their own homes or out with friends for a night out. It is incumbent on all of us to do all we can to make that ‘feeling of safety’ a reality. We must push for change across our society and tackle deep issues which lead to men committing crimes against women. Getting to the root of this behaviour is the only way we can deal with the problem and that is why the work of Circles South West is important. In this newsletter, I am passing over to Circles Coordinator Tim Johnson, to explain how Circles South West is helping us to work towards no more victims of sexual abuse and sexual violence in Dorset: Circles South West’s vision is ‘No More Victims’ of sexual abuse in Dorset. Our dedicated volunteers work with both adults convicted of sexual offences and young people with harmful sexual behaviour. There are a small number of people who serve life sentences for the most heinous crimes. The majority are released and must purposefully reintegrate into their community and need help doing so, to reduce risk and possibility of reoffending. That is where Circles of Support and Accountability step in, engaging with someone seeking to live without harming, rather than rejecting them. We have 21 active volunteers who are currently supporting four adults and two young people across Dorset. Volunteers form peer support groups with a ‘core member’ of the Circle, who meet regularly for one year. The aim is to reduce emotional loneliness, model appropriate adult relationships, support safe integration, encourage positive progress and hold people to account for their behaviour. For those aged 10 to 17, the focus is on providing a social network to reduce isolation, enhance self-esteem and develop independence skills. This is especially important if they have been excluded from school or barred from attending youth clubs and group activities. Our work with one child in Dorset last year helped them back into mainstream education. A young person’s circle will be far more focused on support but for adults, there is a greater focus on accountability. For those aged 18-20, we can help practically by supporting their search for employment or housing. Circles identify and emphasise core members’ strengths rather than shaming them further, so they move forward on a better path than the one they took before. I am aware that the topic of rehabilitating sex offenders is a contentious one. But I have seen first-hand the way core members are able to turn their lives around with our help and firmly believe everyone deserves a second chance if remorse and a willingness to change are shown. Locking people up and throwing away the keys is not realistic. Our goal is to improve the lives of core members through upskilling, to make them more valuable within society because we want them to live happy and fulfilled lives. However, that is a by-product of us achieving our ultimate target, which is to reduce the risk of high harm on victims. Statutory agencies such as the police or probation service supervise sex offenders upon release, but Circles offer an extra risk management layer in which local people can be involved in their safe integration into the community. We know a person is more likely to reoffend if they are annexed off, and less likely to reoffend if they dedicate themselves to self-growth, have good mental health and feel valued within their community. Our most recent research shows that 70% of core members improved on managing thoughts and behaviours at the end of their circle, 75% had decreased feelings of isolation and loneliness, and 85% improved their wellbeing scores. But, most importantly of all, only 4 out of 104 core members were reconvicted during their circle over a six-year period across the South West, while the reduction in risk of reoffending between start and end of circles is proven to be statistically significant. Thanks to Tim for his comprehensive insight. I recognise the sensitivity of this piece. For me the value in this approach is shown in the last paragraph which highlights the reconviction rate – this programme reduces reoffending and makes our county safer. I am determined to assist Dorset Police in their aim to drive down rates of sexual assault in our county and I will engage with any group that wants to help achieve this aim and can make a positive difference. Circles South West has volunteering opportunities available now, with training in November, January and March and would welcome interested Dorset residents and workers to contact them for more information. We also acknowledge that many sexual offences go unreported. I encourage anyone who has been the victim of an offence recently or historically, to come forward, whenever you are ready, and speak to Dorset Police so you can start to get the help and support you need. If you would like to learn more about Circles South West or sign up to become a volunteer, please visit: www.circles-southwest.org.uk. Message Sent By: Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner November 11, 2024 Police and partners work together to educate the public on the dangers of knife carrying Dorset Police is once again taking part in a national campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of knife carrying and knife crime with enhanced enforcement, engagement and education opportunities planned throughout the week. Sceptre is a national campaign led by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and runs from Monday 11 November to Sunday 17 November 2024. The aim is to raise awareness around the consequences and dangers of carrying a knife. Some people – particularly young people – think they will be safer if they carry a knife, when in reality they may be putting themselves in more danger. During the week, various education and community engagement activities will be taking place across the county to raise awareness around knife crime and knife carrying, including the use of knife arches in public spaces and knife education assemblies in schools. Test purchases of knives will be taking place with local retailers. Knife surrender bins will also be provided at Bournemouth, Poole and Weymouth police stations during the week of activity. To find the address and opening hours of these police stations, please go to www.dorset.police.uk/PEO. Chief Inspector Darren Harris, of the BCP Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT), said: “While Dorset remains one of the safest counties in the country to live, we cannot be complacent in how we tackle knife crime and it continues to be a key priority for us. “Education opportunities in local schools, using the knife arch as an engagement tool in public spaces, test purchases with retailers and the provision of knife surrender bins are just some of the ways we are continuing to proactively raise awareness among our communities. “I want to reassure the public that tackling and preventing knife crime, as well as remaining vigilant around knife carrying, is a key priority throughout the year. We encourage anyone carrying a knife – particularly young people – to surrender it to their local police station to help us keep themselves and our communities safe. “Dorset Police will relentlessly strive to remove knives from our streets and pursue those who choose to carry them and commit offences.” Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “Dorset has one of the lowest rates of knife crime in the country, and we want to keep it that way. But we know that while young people continue to pick up knives to protect themselves, we still have work to do. “I am fully supportive of the work taking place not just in the community, especially in schools and other education settings as part of Sceptre. I have seen first-hand how powerful this bespoke education is and have heard from young people themselves about the positive impact it makes. “It is imperative we tackle the causes of knife crime at an early stage to prevent further pain and heartbreak. I would urge families to talk to young people in particular about the dangers of carrying knives, as we know this group are more susceptible to thinking they will be safer if they carry them. This is not true, and we all need to be working to dispel misconceptions like this. “While work to ensure our country remains one of the safest is relentless, I want to be clear that this issue cannot be solved through policing alone. In collaboration with our partners, we need to make sure the right services are provided at the right time. It is down to all of us to do the right thing to drive down this devastating offence.” If you have any information or concerns about someone carrying a knife, please report it to Dorset Police online via the website www.dorset.police.uk/tua. You can also report any information anonymously to CrimeStoppers UK on 0800 555111 (or online at Crimestoppers-uk.org). Your information could help save a life. Retailers can visit this website for guidance on selling knives: www.nbcc.police.uk/knifeguidance Message Sent By: Dorset Police - Media Team November 8, 2024 Search for wanted man – public appeal Simon Pope, aged 35, is wanted for failing to appear at court in connection with numerous shoplifting offences, including the theft of charity boxes. He is described as five feet eleven inches tall and of medium build with short, dark-brown hair and dark-brown beard. View image here: https://news.dorset.police.uk/news-article/a7a3cb1f-919b-ef11-9d6f-6045bdd24049 Detective Sergeant Richard Barnett, of Dorset Police, said: “We have been carrying out a number of enquiries to locate Simon Pope, but these have so far proved unsuccessful and I would urge anyone with information regarding his whereabouts to please contact us. “While there is no information to suggest Pope presents a risk to the general public, we would urge anyone who sees him not to approach him but to instead dial 999 immediately.” If you see Simon Pope you should call 999 immediately. Anyone with other information should call 101, quoting occurrence 55240163815 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111. Or anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org Message Sent By: Dorset Police - Media Team ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Serious injury collision in Christchurch – witness and dashcam appeal Officers investigating a serious injury road traffic collision in Christchurch are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward. Dorset Police received a report at around 4.30pm on Monday 4 November 2024 of a collision involving a white BMW 118i and a Yamaha motorbike on the B3074 Fairmile Road at the junction with Stour Road. The rider of the motorbike – a local man aged in his 50s – sustained serious injuries and has been taken to hospital for treatment. His condition is described as life-threatening and his next of kin has been informed. Police Sergeant Dave Cotterill, of the Roads Policing Team, said: “This incident occurred at a busy time of day and I understand there were a number of motorists in the area who may have seen what happened. “I would ask any witnesses who have not already spoken to police to please come forward. “Also, I am keen to hear from anyone who may have captured anything of relevance on dashcam footage. “Finally, I would like to thank the public for their patience while emergency services were in the area treating the injured man and carrying out an examination of the scene.” Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email at scit@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240170166. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111. Message Sent By: Dorset Police - Media Team --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Prevent, educate and inform- drug education in Dorset Tackling the issue of drugs in our society is complex, and involves a multitude of agencies, approaches, and methods. I have always been very clear about my wholehearted commitment to prevention through education and early intervention in order to divert young people away from illegal drugs and harmful substances. That’s why, earlier this year, I funded The Talkabout Trust to design and pilot drug education resources with children in Dorset. These materials covered issues including Nitrous Oxide, vaping, MDMA, ketamine, cannabis, and cannabis derivatives, and were delivered via a short series of lessons for Year 9 students, an animated short film, teacher training, student assembly and interactive games. You can learn more about that project here - Release: PCC funds innovative drug education programme in Dorset. Today, I have invited Helena Conibear, CEO of The Talkabout Trust to explain more about the important work they do in Dorset. "The Talkabout Trust is a Dorset charity based in Poundbury and for the past 15 years we have been supporting young people between the ages of nine and 25, helping them to make safer choices around alcohol, vaping, cannabis, and other illegal substances. Our work is to inform, give facts and build knowledge and resilience, equipping young people with the skills to make informed life choices. We look at the issues from individual use to a community-wide impact to broaden the understanding of what individual use might lead to. This is tackled through three approaches; the first is providing interactive tools for young people – whether that’s through assemblies, workshops, making animations or our websites designed specifically for certain age ranges. We want them to come up with the answers themselves, using games, role plays and other activities. The second approach is what we call ‘train the trainer’. This can apply to teachers, youth leaders or anyone working with young people. A huge number of professionals working with young people have limited knowledge around drugs, alcohol, and vaping, so our role is to provide support through building their confidence and subject specific knowledge on vaping or nicotine products for instance, or on how to make education more interactive, enjoyable, and impactful. Those in these positions of trust can really turn young people’s lives around, so our work in any education settings such as pupil referral units, special schools, alternative education settings, youth clubs, sports clubs, and children's homes to name a few, is very important. The third aspect, which is the hardest, is working with parents and carers. And that's building their confidence and knowledge and saying how important what we call a ‘tough love’ parenting approach is; setting boundaries, being good role models, knowing where their children are, not being afraid of having conversations and having the answers to questions. These are sensitive topics, and we are always very careful in the work we do to be stigma informed and choose sensitive language which never blames, only supports. Advice for parents My message to any parents, families, carers, or guardians would be that if you have concerns, if you see unusual behaviours such your teenager or young person suddenly having more money than they should have or they're wearing new trainers or there are packages coming through the post, act on it. There are very, very good places to go for help and support and while sometimes it may seem that you’re not getting anywhere fast, you must start by asking for help. Coming to a charity like us, Escapeline or Childline, the NSPCC or mental health charities, we can help point you in the right direction. Busting misconceptions In relation to Dorset, the specific issues we encounter are predominantly around alcohol, vaping and cannabis use but grooming and county lines are a significant issue in rural areas. There's a misguided belief those sort of behaviours only happen with gangs in big cities like London, Manchester, or Birmingham, but the tentacles of crime unfortunately extend to every single area. That’s why equipping teachers and professionals around safeguarding, knowing how to report and support is so important. One issue which has been increasing is vaping and the use of nicotine pouches. In some cases, we've got children as young as seven trying their first vape. Vaping is also linked to county lines as this is how older teenagers are luring teenagers into doing jobs for them or getting involved in activities. We work tirelessly to address confusion and myths around illegal drugs, tackling misconceptions from younger teenagers particularly over the perceptions regarding the numbers of people who experiment. The truth is that these numbers are far less than most realise, so it is key they understand that not everyone is doing it and know the implications and impact these drugs and substances can have on you – physically, emotionally and on their futures. We do this without being preachy and without scaremongering but through support and understanding. We talk about how to get a natural dopamine high, for example, which can be as simple as spending time with pets or sport or good food, while also recognising that stress and anxiety are a normal part of life, and there are other ways of dealing with these feelings. Through our ongoing relationship with the Police and Crime Commissioner, we look forward to making even more of a difference for the young people of Dorset." Thank you to Helena and to The Talkabout Trust for the tireless work you are doing to help the young people of Dorset. I strongly believe education and diversion are key to keeping young people away from illegal drugs and harmful behaviours. And thanks to the work being carried out by The Talkabout Trust, we are deepening our understanding of what education works best and where. Together, we can all play our part in keeping our young people safe and healthy. David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Message Sent By: Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Supporting male victims of domestic abuse in Dorset Today is ‘Supporting Male Victims of Domestic Abuse Day’, an important day to encourage men experiencing this terrible crime to come forward seek support from specialist services. One in every six to seven men will become a victim of domestic abuse at some point in their lifetime, therefore it is crucial to ensure proper support is made available and victims are aware of it. This terrible abuse can come in many different forms, including physical or sexual abuse, violent or threatening behaviour, controlling or coercive behaviour, economic abuse or psychological, emotional, or other abuse. I know the harmful toll this can take not only on the victim but also on those around them. It is a devastating crime, and I am determined to do as much as I can to support those who experience it. Today, to help raise awareness of the support which available to help victims of abuse, I want to hand over my newsletter to The Mankind Initiative, a charity dedicated to focusing on male victims of domestic abuse. I am pleased to commission this trailblazing organisation to ensure the right help is available for men in our county. Over to their CEO Mark Brooks to explain more. “Our experience from running a helpline for nearly 25 years for men suffering from domestic abuse shows that so many feel they are the only man in the world going through it. They are not alone though; other Dorset men are going through this right now, and many more have escaped. “The latest Government figures show that 750,000 men are victims of domestic abuse every year with the majority from a current or ex-partner. One in six to seven men will suffer in their lifetime from this wide-ranging problem. It could be physical, psychological, or economic abuse. It could also be coercive (being harmed, threatened, living in fear) or controlling (losing your independence) behaviour too. Normally it is a combination of these. “Many men who call us also fear they will not be believed or taken seriously. This could not be further from the truth and Dorset Police take these reports very seriously. Alongside the work which we carry out at Mankind, there are great organisations in the county providing first class local support for men. These include Bournemouth Churches Housing Association (BCHA) and Paragon who have years of experience in providing practical domestic abuse support. “We also know that friends, family, and work colleagues plus others like local GPs also take men seriously. Please do reach out to those who you trust. We constantly hear from men about how they were able to take the first steps in leaving an abusive relationship because someone they knew and trusted reached out a hand. “We also run a survivors’ recovery programme for men in Dorset called Acorn. It helps men who have recovered from domestic abuse put their lives back together. Kindly supported by the Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, this peer-to-peer course gives men the further confidence that what happened to them has been experienced by so many others. It has been a great success and there are still places available. “There is a key message for any man who may read this and is suffering from abuse at home. You are not weak. You are not to blame. You are not alone. You will be believed and be supported. “Reach out to those you trust, to Dorset Police, to local specialist domestic abuse organisations and of course, us too. We are all on your side.” Thank you to Mark for these powerful words; I reiterate his message wholeheartedly – you will be believed and supported. Over the years, I’ve heard some truly appalling accounts from victims about the impact these crimes have had on them, and that’s why it is so vital to have tailored support to suit the different needs of victims. Domestic abuse is a devastating crime which can ruin lives. As well as having the right services to support victims, my Office works with partners to commission programmes which disrupt perpetrator abuse and support them to change their behaviours. If we can stop more people becoming victims of this atrocious offence, then fewer people live in fear. David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner How to find support - You can find information on Mankind’s website including their helpline and recovery programme: https://www.mankind.org.uk - BCHA and Paragon provide local support to men in Dorset and they can be contacted via https://www.bcha.org.uk/our-services/bcha-support/domestic-abuse/ or https://paragonteam.org.uk/teams/dorset/ - Dorset Police – how to report domestic abuse Message Sent By: Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner November 1, 2024 Time Flies When You’re Protecting Homes and Communities It’s hard to believe that it’s already been a year since we teamed up with SimpliSafe to help enhance safety in homes and communities for everyone. In the last 12 months, we’ve achieved so much together: sharing safety tips, sponsoring the Volunteer Recognition Awards, donating systems to those in need, and raising the profile of our charity's work as a result of the feedback from our Crime & Community Survey - just to name a few highlights! On Tuesday, SimpliSafe took over the Neighbourhood Watch Facebook page to host a live Q&A, showcase home security products, and give advice and tips on how to secure your home - we hope you found the content both enjoyable and helpful! If you missed anything from the day, you can catch up on our Facebook page. In celebration of our one-year anniversary, Neighbourhood Watch members can take advantage of an exclusive early access Black Friday offer - save 60% on security systems! Just click the link below, and your discount will be automatically applied at checkout. Click here to access your exclusive 60% discount! Don’t miss out, this limited-time offer is only available until 6th Novembe. A quick personal note from both of our teams… Jonathan Wall, VP, Managing Director at SimpliSafe UK: “As we mark the first anniversary of our partnership with Neighbourhood Watch, I want to express how proud I am of what we’ve accomplished together during this time. As SimpliSafe sponsored the National Volunteer Awards, I had the privilege of serving as a judge and witnessing first hand the incredible work that volunteers are doing. It’s truly heart warming to see their dedication. This partnership has allowed us to help make a real difference in local communities across the UK, and work towards a common goal, of which SimpliSafe’s mission is “every home secure”. I’m excited to continue this journey and look forward to even greater achievements in the coming year!” John Hayward-Cripps, CEO at Neighbourhood Watch: “We are so pleased with what we have achieved in this first year of partnership with SimpliSafe. From donating security systems to vulnerable households, to sharing joint messages of home security with our supporters, this has been a brilliant year. To top it off, we were delighted to have SimpliSafe host this year’s Volunteer Recognition Awards ceremony, a huge event in our charity’s calendar, and a great opportunity to celebrate the positive impact of our volunteers in their local communities. As a charity, we are always keen to work with partner organisations who place community at the heart of what they do. It’s clear to see that SimpliSafe prioritise the safety of families and communities, and we have loved working with them to support the hard work of our volunteers. Neighbourhood Watch is really excited to see what we can achieve together in the next year and beyond!” Message Sent By: Ruby Smart (Neighbourhood Watch Network, Head of Communications and Digital, National) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Be Aware of Rising HMRC Scams During Budget Season As we approach the release of the new UK Budget, reports of scams and fraud attempts impersonating HMRC) have been on the rise. Fraudsters often take advantage of the public’s anticipation around government announcements to mislead individuals into revealing personal information or making payments under false pretences. Key Warning Signs of an HMRC Scam: Unsolicited Messages: HMRC will not initiate contact via email, text, or social media to ask for personal or financial information. Be wary of messages claiming you owe tax or are due a refund. Urgency and Threats: Scammers may threaten legal action or suggest that immediate payment is required. HMRC does not operate this way and does not use pressure tactics. Unusual Payment Requests: Be cautious if asked to pay using unusual methods like gift cards, bank transfers, or cryptocurrencies. HMRC does not accept payments this way. False Links and URLs: Fraudulent emails and websites may look official but often contain minor spelling errors or unusual domains. Always check that you are on the official HMRC website. How to Report Suspected HMRC Scams: Report Emails: Forward any suspicious emails to HMRC at phishing@hmrc.gov.uk. Report Texts: Forward scam text messages to 7726 Phone Calls: If you receive a suspicious call, put your phone down and wait a minute then report it to HMRC via the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) or contact Action Fraud at 0300 123 2040. Audio link here https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDOnP8MwLa5XQPrCRy9J7mzAWNBuglaad If you have been a victim of fraud report to Action Fraud here Action Fraud Message Sent By: Damian Cranny (Dorset Police, Fraud Protect Officer, Dorset) October 26, 2024 Over 15,700 vehicles monitored during Community Speed Watch week of action Dedicated community speed watch volunteers monitored over 15,700 vehicles and issued 387 warning letters during a week of action aimed at making Dorset’s roads safer. Community Speed Watch (CSW) is a road safety initiative, which empowers volunteers to contribute to road safety and raise awareness of the dangers of speeding in their localities. The scheme is community driven, actively supported by Dorset Police, and allows members of the public to play their part in achieving the shared goal of reducing casualties on our roads. The volunteers operate with a basic speed detection device to monitor drivers exceeding the speed limit. The device does not take photos and the results do not result in a fine. Instead, a warning letter is sent by the police to the registered keeper of the vehicle, notifying them that their vehicle was seen to be exceeding the legal speed limit. The aim of the letter is to make drivers think of their speed and in future to drive within the limits. Between Monday 14 October and Sunday 20 October 2024, 32 CSW teams deployed on 46 occasions, covering over 100 locations monitoring in excess of 15,700 vehicles, of which 2.5 per cent were exceeding the speed limit and will receive warning letters. The highest speed recorded by CSW teams was 55 mph in a 30 mph limit. As well as warning letters being issued, the work of officers and the safety camera teams during the week resulted in more than 200 speed and other offences being processed. The week of action was actively supported by officers from the No Excuse team, Roads Policing Team, Road Casualty Reduction Team, neighbourhood policing teams and the Safety Camera Team, along with members of Dorset Road Safe and their partners, including Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick. View full article here: https://news.dorset.police.uk/news-article/60147e47-7690-ef11-9d6f-6045bdd24049 If you would like to join an existing Community Speed Watch team or form a new one, please get in touch with us via www.dorsetroadsafe.org.uk. Message Sent By: Dorset Police - Media Team --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Investigation update following deaths of three care home residents in Swanage Detectives are issuing an update on the investigation into the death of three residents at a care home in Swanage. Dorset Police received a report at 7.16am on Wednesday 23 October 2024 regarding three residents who had been found deceased at the Gainsborough Care Home in Ulwell Road. The deaths of the three residents – two men aged 74 and 91 and an 86-year-old woman – are being treated as unexplained. Their families are being updated with any developments as the investigation progresses. Seven people were taken to hospital as a precaution and are not in a serious condition. Other residents of the care home were evacuated to a location where they can receive appropriate care and are continuing to be supported by Dorset Council and the health service. Detectives are still exploring possible carbon monoxide poisoning as the primary line of enquiry and there is no wider risk to the community. A 60-year-old local woman who was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter has been released under investigation while enquiries continue. The arrest was made to enable us to establish whether there were any actions or omissions that are believed to be grossly negligent, and enquiries will continue into this. Detective Chief Inspector Neil Third, of the Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “The thoughts of the investigation team and wider force remain with the loved ones of those who tragically died. “We are continuing to gather as much information as possible to give us a full picture of events during the morning of Wednesday 23 October 2024. This involves liaising with experts from partner agencies to understand the circumstances and this work will take some time to be carried out. “Members of the public can expect to see a large multi-agency presence continue in the area over the coming days to enable us to conduct detailed enquiries. Our local officers will remain in the area to provide support. “This tragic incident will have a significant impact on the community in Swanage. The care, compassion and respect that has been shown so far is commendable and we hope this continues over the coming days as our investigation progresses.” Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240163072. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111. Message Sent By: Dorset Police - Media Team --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dorset continues to be one of the safest areas in the country The latest crime statistics show Dorset remains one of the safest areas in the country after experiencing a decrease in crime. The Office for National Statistics released data on Thursday 24 October 2024 confirming that Dorset remains in England’s top ten safest areas. During the 12 months from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024, overall crime in Dorset fell by 2.3 per cent. View full article here: https://news.dorset.police.uk/news-article/ebba92dd-f791-ef11-9d6f-6045bdd24049 Our Neighbourhood Policing Teams continue engaging with communities across Dorset to reinforce key crime prevention advice to help stop them becoming victims. You can find our latest prevention guidance online: Crime prevention advice | Dorset Police Building a body of intelligence on what is happening in our communities is vital in enabling us to relentlessly pursue anyone intent on criminality. If you have information, please come forward and tell us what you know via our intelligence portal: What is police intelligence? | Dorset Police -------------------------------------------------- Attachments 6cedd0da-61d6-4746-a9c8-a0290d6ed033.png Message Sent By: Dorset Police - Media Team --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dorset Police is asking members of the community to respect each other this Halloween. If you are going trick-or-treating this Halloween, we want you to have fun and be safe, but remember, not everyone wants you to call at their home. We are urging trick-or-treaters to avoid houses where it is not obvious they are welcome to knock and to please be considerate to more vulnerable members of the community who may become distressed at the idea of strangers knocking on their doors during the evening. Dorset Police is encouraging members of the public who do not want to be bothered by trick-or-treaters to download and print a poster available at www.dorset.police.uk/Halloween and place it in the front door or window of their home. Retailers are also urged to remain vigilant in the sale of products to young people, which could potentially lead to reports of anti-social behaviour, such as flour, eggs and alcohol. A poster is available on the website for retailers to download and display inside their shop windows. We would also advise parents to encourage their children to keep them informed of their whereabouts during the festivities by making sure their mobile phones are charged enough to make contact and to stick together with their friends when out and about in the evening. To have fun and stay safe this Halloween, follow these top tips: Children should always be accompanied by an adult when they are trick-or-treating. Only go to houses of people you know and who are happy for you to call. Stay safe, keep to places that you know and are well lit; do not take short cuts through gardens, alleyways or parks. Watch out for traffic – drivers might not see you. Carry a torch and a fully charged mobile phone (if you have one). Chief Superintendent and BCP Commander Heather Dixey, of Dorset Police, said: “In recent years we’ve seen an increase in the number of people participating in Halloween fun. “We’d say to anyone who’s going trick-or-treating to think about other people, particularly the elderly and vulnerable, as they may get worried if strangers are continually calling at the door during the evening. “We don’t want to discourage anyone or spoil anyone’s fun, but we’d ask people to be considerate and respect those not wishing to participate.” Police Crime Commissioner for Dorset Police, David Sidwick, said: “While Halloween is a time when many families and youngsters in Dorset come together to have fun, I would urge everyone to do so responsibly without inflicting harm on others. “My message to those planning to go out on Halloween is to respect those in your neighbourhood who obviously don’t want visitors, be mindful of the vulnerable members of our community who may be adversely affected, and ensure you and your loved ones are safe when out and about by following the measures suggested by Dorset Police. “I want to make Dorset the safest part of the country and if we are to do that, we must crack down on the sort of neighbourhood crime and nuisance that can make people’s lives a misery. If you are victim to or witness any anti-social behaviour, please report the incident. If Dorset Police don’t know about it, they can’t put a stop to it.” Tess Cross, Education Manager at Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We hope everyone has a happy Halloween whether you are celebrating or not. “Don’t forget to make sure children are safe – teach them to stay away from candles, especially if wearing fancy dress and keep matches and lighters out of their reach.” Message Sent By: Dorset Police - Media Team --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Positive action during Community Speed Watch Week Enhancing road safety is a priority in my Police and Crime Plan, and I am working with Dorset Police to ensure they use all tools at their disposal to keep dangerous drivers off our roads. Last week was Community Speed Watch Action Week. It is a road safety initiative that involves members of the public volunteering to highlight the risks of speeding in their towns and villages. Dorset now has more than 1,272 volunteers across more than 80 teams acting as trained eyes and ears on the ground. Every volunteer is a valuable asset who helps reduce road casualties. Across seven days, volunteers monitored 15,700 vehicles of which 2.5% were exceeding the speed limit, resulting in 387 warning letters being issued. One motorist was even recorded driving at 55mph in a 30mph zone. Volunteers provide a visible presence which in itself, leads cars to slow down and if a driver comes to the volunteers’ attention numerous times, there are avenues for stronger enforcement by Dorset Police. Indeed, Dorset Police were out and about during the week of action and police camera teams recorded some 200 speed and other motoring offences that are now being processed. From the dedication of Community Speed Watch volunteers to our Interceptor team and serious collision officers, road policing in Dorset is a model admired by other forces across the country, thanks to the positive results we are seeing year after year. I was delighted to be able to attend the Community Speed Watch conference at the beginning of October, where Dorset Police celebrated the efforts of volunteers and reflected on how the scheme will progress in the future. I am constantly exploring all options available to reduce the risk of harm to everyone using Dorset’s roads, such as lobbying government for tougher sanctions to impose on anti-social motorists. I hope Dorset Police, partner agencies and our volunteers continue working effectively together to prevent avoidable deaths on our roads. David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Message Sent By: Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- National Rural Crime Week: Recent Success in Dorset A lot of the crime in Dorset is highly organised, especially when it comes to rural crime and that is why I invested heavily in the resourcing of our Rural Crime Team who have been successful in taking the fight to criminals. I am pleased to share that Dorset Police recently recovered a digger from Poland that was stolen here six months ago, thanks to help from the National Construction and Agricultural Theft Team, National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service, Polish Police and Interpol. This is yet another example of Dorset Police working ‘without borders’ and making the very best of a joined-up, multi-agency approach to tackling crime. This collaborative strategy has been enhanced since 2021 through the Dorset Partnership Against Rural Crime, consisting of local and national organisations that have experts in specific areas relating to rural crime. I strongly urge farmers to use machinery marking kits which help authorities identify stolen items and get them back to the rightful owner. My office recently funded 950 theft prevention. These packs included marking kits for Dorset farmers, which are proven to reduce theft by up to 83%. Last week, the Rural Crime Team also generated intelligence of a stolen motorhome being sold online. With limited information, the team were out hunting for the vehicle and located the motorhome in Templecombe. It was identified as stolen in Derbyshire, and an investigation has begun into those responsible for its theft. Onto another important issue, waste crime. Since April, I have partially funded a Waste Enforcement officer role at Dorset Council to get out and search for evidence linking illegal dumps to perpetrators, which has proven highly effective. Dorset Council issued double the amount of fixed penalty notices (24) in the five months after the officer began work, compared to the five months before commencement. Penalties were given to households for illegal dumping of garden and household waste which could have been disposed of via bin collections, or taken to one of the county’s 13 recycling centres free of charge. Action was also taken against organised criminals throwing old bathrooms and construction rubble in forests and on roads. Illegally dumped waste costs the taxpayer, but also has a detrimental impact on environment and wildlife. The Environment Agency is leading an investigation with help from Dorset Police and Dorset Council, into a possible illegal waste site in Verwood. Evidence was found of domestic waste, including electrical goods, furniture and garden waste, some of which had been burnt, meaning pollutants have been emitted into the environment. Organised waste crime groups must be aware that their behaviour will not be tolerated in this county. Tougher penalties will act as a stronger deterrent and I will continue to lobby government to introduce stricter punishments that the police can enforce. My office and Dorset Police will also continue to strengthen links with partner agencies to enhance data sharing, evidence gathering and forensic capacity, to identify waste crime criminals. We are continuing to work closely with organisations from the Dorset Partnership Against Rural Crime. Dorset Dogs are doing great work to educate people on how to walk their pets responsibly at Hengistbury Head so wildlife is undisturbed. Meanwhile, information is being spread about how dog owners can support the protection of rare nesting birds in Poole Harbour that are struggling to survive. Dorset Police are also celebrating one year of rural mounted volunteers. The initiative sees horse riders receive specialist training so they can act as the Rural Crime Team’s eyes and ears, looking for crimes or suspicious activity while out enjoying their hobby. They effectively act as a Neighbourhood Watch, reporting incidents and accessing places where vehicles can’t reach. We now have a strong coverage across Dorset with 16 riders, although we are still looking to boost this. Our multi-agency approach has yielded many positive outcomes this year, so I want to thank my office and Dorset Police officers for their continued dedication. Tackling crime is a collective effort and together, we will beat the gangs causing misery and profiting from criminality in our county and beyond. They don’t see borders and nor do the police. David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Message Sent By: Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner October 19, 2024 Image appeal following assault in Christchurch Officers investigating an assault in Christchurch are issuing an image of a man they would like to speak to. Just before 1am on Sunday 29 September 2024, a man made a comment to the victim – aged in his 30s – in Saxon Square. It is reported that the man then punched the victim in the face, causing swelling to his eye and bruising on his head. Two members of the public intervened and the offender left the scene. Police Sergeant Simon Rogers, of Dorset Police, said: “As part of our enquiries, we have obtained an image of a man we would like to identify and would ask anyone who recognises him to please get in touch. View image here: https://news.dorset.police.uk/news-article/80bb466e-888c-ef11-9d6f-6045bdd24049 “I am also keen to speak to anyone who witnessed what happened, including the members of the public who intervened, as they may have important information to assist my enquiries.” Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240149977. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111. Message Sent By: Dorset Police - Media Team --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Safer Business Action Week: What we are doing to tackle shoplifting in Dorset From regular conversations with shop owners, I know the impact retail crimes not only have on a company’s bottom line, but on staff and communities targeted. Theft causes emotional anguish for shopkeepers who put significant time and resources into starting their businesses. It was one of the reasons I originally stood for this role. It is therefore important to use Safer Business Action Week as an opportunity to highlight the great work Dorset Police do all year round to make our county a safe place for consumers and entrepreneurs looking to continue and indeed to begin commercial ventures. Both locally and nationally, shoplifting is on the rise and thorough analysis of the issue in Dorset shows that a small core of prolific offenders commit the bulk of retail crime, with each offender being responsible for numerous offences. But thanks to making it a priority in my Police and Crime Plan, Dorset Police now have a strategic plan, tactical plan and operations in place to address this. I will pass over to Inspector at Dorset Police for BCP, Sophie Williams, to explain what the Force are doing to deter criminals and protect stores across the county: Dorset Police take a proactive approach to catching shoplifters via initiatives such as Operation Shopkeeper, which help us better detect and prosecute prolific nominals. It involves our Investigation Resolution Centre identifying offenders and collecting sufficient evidence including CCTV and statements. This allows us to collate information from incidents across various stores and charge a single offender with multiple offences in one go. We are seeing longer sentences for shoplifters because there is a heavier pile of evidence against them when a judge reviews the case. Shoplifters can be put in prison for seven years in the most severe circumstances. Since November 2023, 32 prolific offenders in Dorset have been charged with 604 offences between them, while the number of high harm suspects decreased by 50%. Funding from the PCC also saw four plain clothed officers out in Bournemouth during September for Operation Spotter, with 36 positive outcomes in relation to shoplifting. Arrests are made for shoplifting, but there are other tools in an officer’s armoury available such as community resolutions or section 35 dispersal notices. A community resolution involves recompense which could make an offender pay back the amount stolen and deliver an apology letter, while section 35 notices require offenders to leave the town centre for 48 hours. If the individual returns during that period, they will be arrested. However, these are normally reserved for first time offenders who have stolen goods of lower monetary value, rather than serial shoplifters. We have a strong relationship in Bournemouth town centre with BCP security officers and their camera control room. That joined up approach is vital to achieving our common aim of relieving shops from the daily grind of losses incurred by shoplifting. Shoplifting is not a victimless crime. It has a detrimental impact on many, even on paying consumers who face rising prices because of shoplifting. I urge staff and members of the public to report shoplifting incidents they witness as it may form part of a bigger picture and longer-term situation we are investigating. Any piece of information you provide may be the missing piece in a puzzle that has taken significant time to solve. Thanks to Sophie for her insight into the challenges retailers face and explanation of what Dorset Police are doing to fight the criminals operating here. Dorset now has two Business Crime Reduction Partnerships in BCP and Weymouth, who gather and share intelligence among shops and pass that information onto Dorset Police. Fighting shoplifting requires collaboration and that is what we now have here. Only this week, I met with representatives of larger high street supermarkets and chain-stores to discuss how we can make our work to tackle shoplifting more dovetailed and symbiotic. Quite often, larger stores work in a different way to dealing with shoplifters and I want to see a real effective and efficient service for all - not just a section of the retail community. I want to acknowledge the hard work Sophie and all the dedicated officers, staff and volunteers at Dorset Police, helping to reduce business crime. We want our high streets to be vibrant places for consumers to visit, and initiatives such as Safer Business Action Week will help our town centres continue to thrive. Those stealing from shops in Dorset will be caught and will face the consequences of their actions. David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Message Sent By: Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner October 18, 2024 CCTV appeal following theft of vehicle in Christchurch Officers are issuing an image of a man they would like to identify as they investigate the theft of a vehicle in Christchurch. A silver Mercedes Benz C200 was stolen from Ducking Stool Lane between around 6.30pm on Saturday 28 September and 8am on Sunday 29 September 2024. Police Community Support Investigator Mike Cannings, of Dorset Police, said: “Our investigation into this theft is ongoing and we have obtained CCTV images of a man we would like to identify. View images here: https://news.dorset.police.uk/news-article/cfbcc13b-a88b-ef11-9d6f-6045bdd24049 “I would urge anyone with information regarding this man’s identity to please make contact with us.” Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240152371. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111. Message Sent By: Dorset Police - Media Team --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Essential Online Safety Tips - webinar Get Safe Online has joined up with Neighbourhood Alert to offer a one-off ‘Essential Online Safety Tips’ webinar for Neighbourhood Alert users. This will replace the training that unfortunately had to be cancelled on 3rd October. Get Safe Online has been delivering online safety awareness across a number of countries around the world, working with local governmental bodies and partners to ensure individuals, communities and small businesses are safer online. Today we operate in 27 countries around the world and through our Get Safe Online Ambassador programme regularly deliver online safety training to networks and communities around the world. So this October, thanks to Neighbourhood Alert, we are bringing some free training to your community. ‘Essential Online Safety Tips’ will take place on Tuesday 22nd October at 12 noon. To register, please visit: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_8NYH0V9sSQ-zO8rOifSFXw Our Get Safe Online expert, Liz Stanton, MBE will run the session online for an hour, during which time you will have the opportunity to listen to her advice and raise questions about online safety. Places are limited. For further information on Get Safe Online please visit www.getsafeonline.org We look forward to seeing you there! Message Sent By: Get Safe Online ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- New Email Scam Warning What's Happening: A sophisticated email scam is currently targeting people. The scammers are using personal information to make their messages seem more convincing. Key Warning Signs: Emails start with "I've got some bad news to share with you" May include pictures of your house (taken from Google Maps) Contains personal details like your name, address, or phone number Claims they have access to your device and personal files Demands payment in Bitcoin to prevent sharing private information How to Protect Yourself: Do NOT respond to these emails Forward suspicious emails to: report@phishing.gov.uk Keep your social media accounts private Use strong, unique passwords Install reliable antivirus software Be careful about what personal information you share online If You're Targeted: Don't panic - scammers often find personal details from public sources Never pay any demanded money Contact your bank if you've shared any financial information Report to Action Fraud Stay Safe Online: Regularly check for data breaches at haveibeenpwned.com Use password managers to keep your accounts secure Consider using temporary email addresses for online registrations Keep your devices and software up to date Remember: Having your personal information doesn't mean scammers have actually accessed your devices. Stay calm and alert, but don't let them pressure you into hasty actions. Visit Stay Safe Online for tips on how to protect your online data. Share widely with friends and family to help keep Dorset Safe Message Sent By: Damian Cranny (Dorset Police, Fraud Protect Officer, Dorset) October 16, 2024 Dorset Police Stands Up Against Hate Crime Saturday 12 October 2024 marked the start of Hate Crime Awareness Week, which is an annual initiative to encourage the active participation of communities affected by hate crime, local authorities, police forces and other key partners. Hate crime is any criminal offence perceived by the victim or any other person to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a person's race, religion/belief, sexual orientation, disability or because they are transgender. The Force's hate crime lead, Chief Inspector Derek McKerl, reaffirms Dorset Police's commitment to those affected by hate crime. He said: "Dorset Police is steadfast in its position with those affected by hate crime. Our officers and staff are dedicated to supporting those who need it and raising standards of hate crime investigations. “We are aware that hate crime is underreported in Dorset and we would like to encourage our communities to use this week as an opportunity to report offences they have seen or experienced. Dorset Police takes a robust approach to hate crime, and together, we can tackle hate crimes and reduce their impact on our communities." Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “Having spoken previously with victims of hate crime, I know the detrimental impact it can have and that’s why tackling it is a priority in my Police and Crime Plan. “I believe we must listen to and learn from those with a lived experience of this terrible crime, which has no place in our society. “I would encourage anyone who has experienced hate crime to come forward and report it. I will continue to work tirelessly to encourage tolerance, acceptance and understanding across Dorset.” Reporting hate crimes helps Dorset Police understand the depth and complexities of hate crimes in Dorset and enables the Force to signpost people to the correct support. Hate crimes and intelligence about ongoing hate crime activities can be reported quickly using the Force website. Hate crime | Dorset Police Additionally, members of the public can report any intelligence they have about things they have seen or heard and information they have gathered about other crimes, suspicious activity or other various incidents on the Dorset Police website too. Something you've seen or heard | Dorset Police Message Sent By: Julie Heath (Dorset Police, Dorset Alert Coordinator, Dorset) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dorset Police take part in national Safer Business Action Week Dorset Police officers are supporting a national Safer Business Action Week to help tackle business and retail crime across the county. The week of action, which is co-ordinated by the National Business Crime Centre (NBCC), is taking place between Monday 14 October and Sunday 20 October 2024. It aims to equip business owners and security staff with the tools to tackle business crime and raise awareness of the support available to help protect them. As part of the week of action, local neighbourhood policing teams will have an enhanced focus on retail crime and will be delivering activity based on their local intelligence pictures. This will include partnership meetings with Business Improvement Districts, crime prevention visits to shops, increased patrols in hotspot areas to look for shoplifters and engagement with businesses to encourage and provide support with reporting incidents. View full article here: https://news.dorset.police.uk/news-article/0424c582-0d8a-ef11-9d6f-6045bdd24049 Dorset Police can carry out crime prevention surveys on commercial properties. For more information please contact: crimereductionwest@dorset.pnn.police.uk. For further help and advice on business safety please visit www.dorset.police.uk/business. Message Sent By: Dorset Police - Media Team ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bournemouth drug dealer jailed A man has been jailed for drug supply offences as officers continue to target the supply of illegal drugs in our communities. View full article here: https://news.dorset.police.uk/news-article/e6f227bb-2f8a-ef11-9d6f-6045bdd24049 Detective Sergeant Matt Cooke, of Dorset Police, said: “We remain committed to disrupting the activities of those who think it is acceptable to supply class A drugs in our communities and ensure we identify those involved and take robust action against them. “We continue to rely on our local communities for information and intelligence surrounding suspected drug related activity in their area. Anyone with information can report it to us at www.dorset.police.uk or call 101. If a crime is in progress, always dial 999.” WithYou provide support for adults and young people in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole facing challenges with drugs and alcohol. If you need advice for yourself, or to support a loved one you can contact WithYou on 01202 558855. Web chat is also available via the website https://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/local-hubs/bournemouth-christchurch-and-poole Message Sent By: Dorset Police - Media Team ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Collaborative action to improve Somerford As part of our ongoing commitment to enhancing community safety and reducing crime, we're pleased to share updates on the collaborative efforts of various agencies working to improve the Somerford area in Christchurch. Over the past four months, several organisations including Sovereign Network Group (SNG), Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council, Dorset Police and local schools have united to address public safety and environmental issues. This collaboration maximises resources and expertise to better serve the community. As part of this initiative, £5,000 from Dorset's Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, through the ‘Op Relentless’ Community Fund, has been secured to combat anti-social behaviour (ASB) - launching the Safer Somerford Programme. Funding will cover local initiatives to reduce ASB, improve safety and enhance the local area. View full article here: https://news.dorset.police.uk/news-article/e260da19-3f8a-ef11-9d6f-6045bdd24049 Neighbourhood Inspector Dan Cullen, of Bournemouth East and Christchurch police, said: “Over recent months we have been working hard to tackle the issues that matter most to the residents of Somerford. Working with our partner agencies, we have been carrying out activity to disrupt and deter ASB and improve community safety. “It is vitally important to us all that we continue our efforts going forward to ensure that residents and visitors of Somerford can enjoy their time in the area. We would encourage anyone who wishes to pass on information or report any concerns to please speak to a member of the neighbourhood policing team.” How to report? In an emergency, when a crime is in progress, or there is a risk to life or property call 999. If the situation is not an emergency but you need to speak to a local police officer, report information about a crime or incident, or need crime prevention advice call Dorset Police on 101 or visit https://www.dorset.police.uk/ro/report/asb/asb-v3/report-antisocial-behaviour/ You can also contact the council to discuss concerns about ASB: asbteam@bcpcouncil.gov.uk or call 01202 128883 If you are a Sovereign housing tenant, you can contact Sovereign Network Group by calling 0300 5000 926, email contact@sovereign.org.uk or visit www.sovereign.org.uk/advice-and-guides/concerns/anti-social-behaviour All agencies will respect confidentiality, but if you are concerned about disclosing your personal details, you can report incidents anonymously by ringing Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org Issues of an environmental nature, for example: fly tipping, dog control/fouling, bins, should be reported to the council: www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/report Noise complaints should be reported to BCP Council: online.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/services/?returnurl=nuisance Message Sent By: Dorset Police - Media Team October 12, 2024 Take the PCC's Annual Survey Dorset’s Police and Crime Commissioner is calling for residents to complete the Annual Survey, which provides key information over how safe the people of Dorset feel where they live. Following the Police and Crime Commissioner elections earlier this year, PCC David Sidwick was returned to office for a second term and has set about updating his Police and Crime Plan to reflect the achievements made during his first term, alongside the changed national, regional, and local picture. Now, the PCC is asking the people of Dorset to complete the Annual Survey, telling him how safe they feel in their communities. The survey also wants to know how ‘visible and connected’ residents feel to Dorset Police, and whether they feel Dorset Police are using their resources to the best effect where they live. Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick said: “I know how important it is to feel safe where you live and that’s why I am asking as many Dorset residents as possible to complete my survey. “I am your voice in policing and want to hear what matters to you and the crimes which affect where you live. This will allow me to take stock of how things have changed since last year. “Your opinion matters to me, and to policing, and will help shape the work I do in the future. Thank you in advance for your time.” You can take the survey here https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/AS24DA Message Sent By: Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- United against drug crime: South West police join forces to target drug criminality Police services across the South West - Avon and Somerset, Devon and Cornwall, Dorset, Gloucestershire, and Wiltshire, together with the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU) - joined forces in a coordinated effort to combat drug-related crime on our roads and in our communities. Operation Scorpion 9 ran from Monday 30 September to Sunday 6 October and focused on disrupting drug markets, dismantling organised crime groups, and safeguarding our communities from the harm associated with drug crime, including serious violence and anti-social behaviour. By sharing intelligence and resources, officers conducted targeted actions such as: Intelligence-led vehicle stops Search warrants at properties suspected of drug activity High-visibility patrols in areas known for drug crime Community engagement events to educate the public about the risks of drug-related crime Across the week, results included: 117 arrests for drugs-related offences including possession, supply, trafficking, drug importation and drug driving 19 people charged with offences to date The seizure of nearly 400kg of suspected Class A drugs and cannabis, along with a large number of ecstasy pills Over £55,000 in cash seized suspected to be linked to drug crime 109 education and engagement events with local communities and schools At least 23 adults and children safeguarded after vulnerability checks 6 weapons seized View full article here: https://news.dorset.police.uk/news-article/c8315ebb-ed86-ef11-9d6f-6045bdd24049 Assistant Chief Constable Mark Callaghan, of Dorset Police, said: “I would continue to urge members of the public to report any information or intelligence around the suspected drug related activity so we can continue to make real inroads in tackling this blight on our communities. The community can play a vital role in identifying potential drug-related activity and crime. Signs to look for include: an increase in visitors or vehicles at a residence new, unfamiliar faces appearing frequently changes in a resident’s behaviour—becoming secretive, withdrawn, or aggressive young people with unexplained, expensive new items (clothes, phones, etc.) residents or young people going missing for extended periods young people seeming unfamiliar with your community or where they are suspicious vehicles - criminals often use cars, vans, and other vehicles to traffic drugs, cash, weapons, and vulnerable people. If you notice a vehicle repeatedly coming and going at odd times, parked in unusual locations, or being driven suspiciously, take note of the make, model, colour, and registration number. Even a small detail could be the key to disrupting a criminal network. Message Sent By: Dorset Police - Media Team ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Beware of Fake Social Media Giveaways Fraud Protect want to raise awareness about the growing number of fake giveaways circulating on social media platforms. These scams are designed to deceive users into sharing personal information or engaging with suspicious content. Please read below for tips on identifying these scams and how to protect yourself. What to Look Out For: Unbelievable Offers: Be cautious of giveaways promising expensive items, large sums of money, or luxury holidays for free. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Unverified Accounts: Legitimate giveaways are typically run by verified, official accounts. Look for the blue checkmark next to the account name. Scammers often create accounts with similar names to impersonate brands or influencers. Request for Personal Information: Be wary of any giveaways asking for sensitive details such as your credit card information, passwords, or national insurance number. Genuine competitions rarely request these. Suspicious Links: Avoid clicking on unfamiliar or shortened links. Scammers use these to direct you to phishing websites designed to steal your personal information. Account Tags and Follow Requests: Be cautious if you’re asked to tag several friends, share the post widely, or follow unfamiliar accounts to enter. This can be a tactic to spread the scam. How to Stay Safe: Verify the Source: Always check the official websites or social media profiles of companies or influencers for confirmation of any giveaways. Check for Errors: Look out for spelling mistakes, unusual grammar, or inconsistencies in the post. These are often signs of a fake account or scam. Never Share Sensitive Information: Avoid giving out personal details unless you are sure the giveaway is legitimate and run by a trusted source. How to Report a Scam: If you come across a suspicious giveaway or think you’ve been targeted by a scam: Report the Post or Account: Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter have in-built tools to report fake accounts and scams. Use these to flag the content. Contact Action Fraud: Action Fraud is the UK’s national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre. You can report fraud online at www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. Alert Your Friends: If you believe you’ve been targeted by a fake giveaway, warn others in the community so they don’t fall victim to the same scam. Stay vigilant and protect yourself from online scams. Let's keep our Dorset community safe! For the audio version click this link to My Safer Dorset. Thank you to Andy Saunders MBE for the audio version. Message Sent By: Damian Cranny (Dorset Police, Fraud Protect Officer, Dorset) October 11, 2024 Operation Scorpion: Uniting to tackle drug crime Last week, the ninth phase of Operation Scorpion took place across the south west. This vital drug operation involves all five south west Police and Crime Commissioners and police forces, the South West Regional Organised Crime Unity and other key partners including British Transport Police. This latest iteration of Operation Scorpion, which aims to make the south west a hostile environment for illegal drugs, concentrated on disrupting criminal activity on the roads, including drug driving and other associated harms. During the week of action, Dorset Police carried out a range of operational work, demonstrating the Force’s commitment to robust enforcement, alongside the safeguarding of vulnerable people in our county. Through close working with our regional colleagues, and thanks to the crucial intelligence provided by our communities, the effectiveness and power of this partnership was once again demonstrated. From vehicle stop and searches which took place, warrants executed, drugs and vehicles seized, weapons confiscated, arrests and charges brought, officers in Dorset and across the south west worked tirelessly to protect vulnerable people and take drugs off our streets and off our roads. Some of the results across the region include: - 117 arrests for drugs-related offences including possession, supply, trafficking, drug importation and drug driving. - 19 people charged with offences to date. - The seizure of nearly 400kg of suspected Class A drugs and cannabis, along with a large number of ecstasy pills. - Over £55,000 in cash seized suspected to be linked to drug crime. - 109 education and engagement events with local communities and schools. - At least 23 adults and children safeguarded after vulnerability checks. - 6 weapons seized. In Dorset, there were 21 arrests, four vehicles seized, a number of weapons confiscated including a hunting knife and knuckle duster, and 15 safeguarding visits to vulnerable people carried out. During the week of intensification, officers carried out three warrants, leading to arrests and the seizure of Class A and B drugs. Intelligence-led operations also resulted in vehicles being stopped, drugs being found, and arrests being made. I want to be clear; it is imperative that those who commit harmful behaviours like this are robustly tackled, sending a strong message to others that we will not tolerate criminal behaviour in Dorset. I want to thank officers for their dedication to tackling the harms that drugs present in our communities. I know the impact illegal drugs have and our work in Dorset will be relentless in pursuit of the drug gangs and those who are intent on bringing these harmful substances to our county. My final message of thanks goes to you, the public, for your support, and I urge you to continue to report your vital pieces of intelligence. It could make the biggest difference in cracking these gangs and help make Dorset #NoPlaceForDrugs. David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner How to report Anyone with information about illegal drugs activity in Dorset should report it to Dorset Police online service online here www.dorset.police.uk/intelligence or by calling 101. Always call 999 in an emergency or if anyone is in immediate danger. Your information will be treated in confidence, but of you prefer to report anonymously please do so through Crimestoppers. You can call 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year on 0800 555 111 or you can use the non-traceable online form here https://crimestoppers-uk.org/ Message Sent By: Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Updates to Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner's Police and Crime Plan Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner’s Police and Crime Plan has been updated following the Commissioner’s re-election earlier this year. Dorset PCC David Sidwick’s Police and Crime Plan is based on six priorities; Cut Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour, Make Policing More Visible and Connected, Fight Violent Crime and High Harm, Fight Rural Crime, Put Victims and Communities First and Make Every Penny Count. While the six priorities of the two-term plan remain the same, small changes have been made to some commitments to reflect the current landscape, alongside revisions to language and phraseology, which have evolved over the past three years. The updates were discussed at the quarterly Police and Crime Panel on Wednesday October 9, with the PCC formally outlining the updates to members and answering questions. Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick said: “Following my first productive term as Dorset’s Police and Crime Commissioner, I am delighted my updated Police and Crime Plan has now been published. “Much of the past three years has been focused on building important in-roads for change, and while long-term improvements are never easy to achieve, I am determined that as a result of the foundations we have laid, the next stage of this two-term plan will move Dorset further towards becoming the safest place in the country. “While the updates to the plan are small, they build on the solid foundation and success to date and will continue driving down crime and ASB, increasing the visibility and connectivity of the police, and ultimately making both our rural and urban communities safer. “One area of greater emphasis is that of Violence Against Women and Girls, and as with all priorities, we must address practical solutions as well as prevention work to engender societal changes needed to address these very serious issues. “I thank the Police and Crime Panel for their support for this renewed plan and look forward to updating them regularly on our progress.” To read the latest plan, go to Police and Crime Plan for Dorset · Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Message Sent By: Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Update – wanted man has been located A man wanted in connection with allegations of stalking has been located and arrested. Detectives have been carrying out enquiries to locate Matthew Foster-Smith, aged 45, who was also wanted in connection with reported breaches of a restraining order. He had failed to arrive at an address he was bailed to in London, having appeared at Poole Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 17 September 2024. Following detailed enquiries, with assistance from the Metropolitan Police, Foster-Smith has now been located and arrested. He is next due to appear at Bournemouth Crown Court on Thursday 17 October 2024. We would like to thank everyone who shared our appeal. Message Sent By: Dorset Police - Media Team October 11, 2024 Operation Scorpion: Uniting to tackle drug crime Last week, the ninth phase of Operation Scorpion took place across the south west. This vital drug operation involves all five south west Police and Crime Commissioners and police forces, the South West Regional Organised Crime Unity and other key partners including British Transport Police. This latest iteration of Operation Scorpion, which aims to make the south west a hostile environment for illegal drugs, concentrated on disrupting criminal activity on the roads, including drug driving and other associated harms. During the week of action, Dorset Police carried out a range of operational work, demonstrating the Force’s commitment to robust enforcement, alongside the safeguarding of vulnerable people in our county. Through close working with our regional colleagues, and thanks to the crucial intelligence provided by our communities, the effectiveness and power of this partnership was once again demonstrated. From vehicle stop and searches which took place, warrants executed, drugs and vehicles seized, weapons confiscated, arrests and charges brought, officers in Dorset and across the south west worked tirelessly to protect vulnerable people and take drugs off our streets and off our roads. Some of the results across the region include: - 117 arrests for drugs-related offences including possession, supply, trafficking, drug importation and drug driving. - 19 people charged with offences to date. - The seizure of nearly 400kg of suspected Class A drugs and cannabis, along with a large number of ecstasy pills. - Over £55,000 in cash seized suspected to be linked to drug crime. - 109 education and engagement events with local communities and schools. - At least 23 adults and children safeguarded after vulnerability checks. - 6 weapons seized. In Dorset, there were 21 arrests, four vehicles seized, a number of weapons confiscated including a hunting knife and knuckle duster, and 15 safeguarding visits to vulnerable people carried out. During the week of intensification, officers carried out three warrants, leading to arrests and the seizure of Class A and B drugs. Intelligence-led operations also resulted in vehicles being stopped, drugs being found, and arrests being made. I want to be clear; it is imperative that those who commit harmful behaviours like this are robustly tackled, sending a strong message to others that we will not tolerate criminal behaviour in Dorset. I want to thank officers for their dedication to tackling the harms that drugs present in our communities. I know the impact illegal drugs have and our work in Dorset will be relentless in pursuit of the drug gangs and those who are intent on bringing these harmful substances to our county. My final message of thanks goes to you, the public, for your support, and I urge you to continue to report your vital pieces of intelligence. It could make the biggest difference in cracking these gangs and help make Dorset #NoPlaceForDrugs. David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner How to report Anyone with information about illegal drugs activity in Dorset should report it to Dorset Police online service online here www.dorset.police.uk/intelligence or by calling 101. Always call 999 in an emergency or if anyone is in immediate danger. Your information will be treated in confidence, but of you prefer to report anonymously please do so through Crimestoppers. You can call 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year on 0800 555 111 or you can use the non-traceable online form here https://crimestoppers-uk.org/ Message Sent By: Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Updates to Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner's Police and Crime Plan Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner’s Police and Crime Plan has been updated following the Commissioner’s re-election earlier this year. Dorset PCC David Sidwick’s Police and Crime Plan is based on six priorities; Cut Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour, Make Policing More Visible and Connected, Fight Violent Crime and High Harm, Fight Rural Crime, Put Victims and Communities First and Make Every Penny Count. While the six priorities of the two-term plan remain the same, small changes have been made to some commitments to reflect the current landscape, alongside revisions to language and phraseology, which have evolved over the past three years. The updates were discussed at the quarterly Police and Crime Panel on Wednesday October 9, with the PCC formally outlining the updates to members and answering questions. Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick said: “Following my first productive term as Dorset’s Police and Crime Commissioner, I am delighted my updated Police and Crime Plan has now been published. “Much of the past three years has been focused on building important in-roads for change, and while long-term improvements are never easy to achieve, I am determined that as a result of the foundations we have laid, the next stage of this two-term plan will move Dorset further towards becoming the safest place in the country. “While the updates to the plan are small, they build on the solid foundation and success to date and will continue driving down crime and ASB, increasing the visibility and connectivity of the police, and ultimately making both our rural and urban communities safer. “One area of greater emphasis is that of Violence Against Women and Girls, and as with all priorities, we must address practical solutions as well as prevention work to engender societal changes needed to address these very serious issues. “I thank the Police and Crime Panel for their support for this renewed plan and look forward to updating them regularly on our progress.” To read the latest plan, go to Police and Crime Plan for Dorset · Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Message Sent By: Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Update – wanted man has been located A man wanted in connection with allegations of stalking has been located and arrested. Detectives have been carrying out enquiries to locate Matthew Foster-Smith, aged 45, who was also wanted in connection with reported breaches of a restraining order. He had failed to arrive at an address he was bailed to in London, having appeared at Poole Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 17 September 2024. Following detailed enquiries, with assistance from the Metropolitan Police, Foster-Smith has now been located and arrested. He is next due to appear at Bournemouth Crown Court on Thursday 17 October 2024. We would like to thank everyone who shared our appeal. Message Sent By: Dorset Police - Media Team October 3, 2024 Public appeal for assistance in locating wanted man Detectives are appealing for information from the public as they search for a wanted man. Matthew Foster-Smith, aged 45, is wanted after in connection with allegations of stalking and breaching a harassment order. He is described as white, five feet nine inches tall and of medium build with greying dark brown hair. View image here: https://news.dorset.police.uk/news-article/2fce4c9e-2c7f-ef11-9d6d-6045bdd24049 Foster-Smith was charged and remanded by police following a detailed enquiry. He was subsequently bailed by Poole Magistrates’ Court to an address in London, however he never arrived at that address. He has links to Poole as well as Cambridge and the Hammersmith and Enfield areas of London. Detective Inspector Darren Moores, of BCP CID, said: “We have been carrying out extensive enquiries to locate Matthew Foster-Smith but these have so far been unsuccessful. “I am now appealing to the public for any information that might assist in locating him, as we are very keen to locate Matthew Foster-Smith and bring him before the court so he can face the judicial process, and provide reassurance to the victims of his alleged stalking activity. “Our enquiries have covered the London and Cambridge areas, as well as locally, and I am asking for anyone with information regarding his whereabouts to please make contact with us. “While we have no information to indicate Foster-Smith presents a risk to the general public, I would urge anyone who sees him not to approach him, but to instead dial 999 immediately.” If you see Matthew Foster-Smith you should call 999 immediately. Anyone with other information should call 101, quoting occurrence 55240144480 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111. Message Sent By: Dorset Police - Media Team ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Dorset Police working to reduce vehicle crime offences across the county Officers from across the county are working to reduce vehicle crime offences and ensure the public know how to protect their vehicles. Between Monday 16 September and Sunday 22 September 2024, officers took part in a national vehicle crime intensification week to disrupt activity and support drivers in keeping their vehicles safe. Organised crime groups are known to commit vehicle thefts and target specific vehicles. In particular, offenders are using devices disguised as normal items in order to commit the thefts. The week of action saw officers focused on targeting the theft of high-value keyless cars, theft of mopeds or motorbikes and theft from motor vehicles. Proactive patrols were carried out at car parks and known hotspots to deter offences from taking place and look out for suspected offenders. Focused activity was carried out to identify suspects of reported vehicle crime offences. As a result of this work, one person was arrested and subsequently charged. A Renault van that was reported as stolen from a hire company was recovered. In addition, over 50 visits were made by officers to provide prevention advice at key locations during the week. Throughout recent months, officers from the local neighbourhood policing teams have been putting dedicated intelligent-led patrols in specific areas to target anyone who is suspected of stealing items from a victim’s vehicle. Also, the Force has been running Op Motor to tackle the theft of keyless vehicles. A number of investigations are underway into reports of these incidents to target any suspected offenders and upstream criminals who organise for vehicles to be stolen and resold, often out of the county. Prior to the intensification week, in a five-week period officers arrested 18 people for various vehicle crime offences. Detective Superintendent Steve May, of Dorset Police, said: “In Dorset, we have seen an increase in reports of theft of motor vehicles, as well as thefts from a vehicle, which is in line with a national rise in these types of incidents. “We know the significant impact vehicle crime has on victims and we will consider all proportionate and available lines of enquiry to investigate reported incidents. “We will continue to monitor crime reports for patterns of offending and where we see an increase in a particular area, local officers will respond with increased patrols in the vicinity. “There is a lot of work ongoing across the county to disrupt this type of offending and ensure the public do not become victims of these impactful crimes.” It is vitally important that the public are aware of a number of simple tactics that can help protect their vehicles and their contents. Visit our website to find out more: https://www.dorset.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/keeping-vehicles-safe/ Message Sent By: Dorset Police - Media Team September 30, 2024 Witness appeal following robbery in Christchurch Officers are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward following a robbery in Christchurch. At around 10.25am on Sunday 22 September 2024 the victim, a man aged in his 20s, was riding a grey Honda moped along Barrack Road, in the direction of the Iford Roundabout, when a black or grey BMW approached as they came near to the Esso petrol station. The car forced the moped off the road and stopped next to it. The front seat passenger exited the vehicle, and the moped rider left the scene on foot as he felt threatened. The male passenger from the BMW then got onto the moped and rode off toward the Iford Roundabout, with the BMW following. Police Constable Rachael Birch, of Bournemouth East and Christchurch police, said: “We are carrying out a detailed investigation into this incident and I am keen to hear from any witnesses or anyone with information that might assist our enquiries. “In particular, I am keen to hear from any motorists who may have captured relevant dashcam footage. I would also urge residents in the vicinity with home CCTV systems or doorbell cameras to check their footage for anything that might help us to identify the vehicle involved." Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240146111. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111. Message Sent By: Linzi Berryman (Devon & Cornwall Police, Devon & Cornwall Alert Coordinator, Dorset) September 20 Agencies address community concerns at online public meetings Dorset Police, supported by the Police & Crime Commissioner, and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council addressed community concerns at an online public meeting and have committed to further driving forward improvements to help keep people safe and feel safe. The agencies held an online Facebook LIVE public meeting on Thursday 12 September 2024 to update the public on all the activity that has collectively been carried out over the summer to tackle criminality and make the area safe for residents, businesses and visitors. Assistant Chief Constable Mark Callaghan and Chief Superintendent Heather Dixey, BCP LPA Commander, were joined by Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner David Sidwick, BCP Council’s Director of Housing and Communities Kelly Deane, Community Safety Manager Tina Symington and Councillor Kieron Wilson, Portfolio holder for Housing and Regulatory Services, where they answered a range of questions ranging from anti-social behaviour, vehicle theft and associated joyriding to knife crime, violence against women and girls, drugs and fly-tipping. For those who missed it, click on the link for an overview of the updates provided on the online meeting: https://news.dorset.police.uk/news-article/d21116ed-9175-ef11-9d6d-6045bdd24049 We rely on our communities to tell us what is happening across the county and information received helps to inform the policing and council priorities, alongside targeted patrols. You can report matters to Dorset Police online via https://www.dorset.police.uk/ro/report/ . Intelligence can be reported via the portal at https://www.dorset.police.uk/police-forces/dorset-police/areas/about-us/local-support-and-guidance/intelligence/ or via Crimestoppers. Matters can be reported to BCP Council via https://www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/contact-us/report. In addition, you can report locations where you feel or have felt unsafe and to identify the features on why that location made you feel unsafe via the national online tool StreetSafe: If you missed the Facebook LIVE event and want to watch it back to find out more visit https://www.facebook.com/dorsetpolice/videos/833447828920317 Message Sent By: Dorset Police - Media Team ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Jet ski thefts There has been a spate of jet ski thefts recently. The perpetrators are using two separate means of operation: 1) thieves are targeting Jet skis moored on floating pontoons and then attempting to start these with either magnets or with keys. 2) they target jet skis that are on insecure trailers. Two skis have been recovered to date one by Police and one by its owner. Message Sent By: Alyson Moore (Dorset Police & NHWN, Resilient Community Co-ordinator, Bournemouth Christchurch Poole) September 17 Dorset Police campaign to build awareness around spiking Dorset Police is sending a message to anyone who thinks that it is OK to spike another person “for fun” or more sinister purposes: it’s an abhorrent crime and can have a significant, traumatic impact on victims, and can have severe consequences for perpetrators. Spiking is when someone does any of the following to someone without their knowledge or permission: putting alcohol or prescription drugs or illegal drugs into their drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic), injecting them with prescription or illegal drugs, putting prescription or illegal drugs into their food, or putting prescription or illegal drugs into their cigarette or vape. View full article here: https://news.dorset.police.uk/news-article/cb1e147b-0474-ef11-9d6d-6045bdd24049 There is now an online reporting service on the Dorset Police website which offers a fast-time route to report spiking and prompts specific questions to capture evidence for spiking cases. It doesn’t matter when the spiking happened, and you can report on behalf of others. This is the link: https://www.dorset.police.uk/ro/report/report-spiking/v2/report-spiking/ Full information about what to do if you have been sexually assaulted can found on the Dorset Police website here: https://www.dorset.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/advice/rape-sexual-assault-and-other-sexual-offences More information about spiking and how to report it is on the Dorset Police website: https://www.dorset.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/spiking-advice/spiking Message Sent By: Dorset Police - Media Team September 13, 2024 We are recruiting! Regional Digital Voice Volunteer Coordinator – South West We are recruiting for the position of Regional Digital Voice Volunteer Coordinator for the South West. The coordinator roles are vital components of this project. We want to attract candidates from the South West of England with sound local knowledge and able to travel in the region - these will be important parts of this job. Purpose of the roles: To be responsible for the development, coordination, and delivery of Neighbourhood Watch’s partner project involving Neighbourhood Watch volunteers within the South West. Recruit, training and coordinate volunteers so they can deliver information sessions to community groups. Research areas in needs of support and book venues where information sessions will be delivered by volunteers. Be able to travel to events in order to support volunteers and ensuring information sessions are delivered to the highest and consistent standards, and that feedback requests are acted upon swiftly. Hours of employment are: 0.8FTE (28 hours per week) 8 months fixed term contract. Core hours are Monday to Friday 10am-12pm and 2-4pm with an unpaid lunch break. If you are interested please do not hesitate to apply though the Charityjob page. Also, if you know of anyone that could be interested in the position, please share this message with them. If you have any question, please do not hesitate to contact me. Veronica Ghobert | Project Manager My working hours are: Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8-16 M 07856909841 Message Sent By: Veronica Ghobert (NWN, MSA, National) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Community Resolution Order (CR) A Community Resolution Order - (a proportionate way of dealing with first time offenders where remorse has been expressed) was issued to a male from the Christchurch area in August for a breach of Section 58 of the Merchant Shipping Act, namely does an act which causes or is likely to cause loss or destruction or serious damage to any other ship or structure. This was deemed appropriate for a speeding Rib on the River Stour were a significant wake can cause damage to moored boats and the shoreline. Message Sent By: Alyson Moore (Dorset Police & NHWN, Resilient Community Co-ordinator, Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Second Facebook LIVE event to further address community safety concerns Members of the public are being offered another opportunity to pose questions to key representatives about safety in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole at a second Facebook LIVE online public meeting. Representatives from Dorset Police, BCP Council and the Police & Crime Commissioner will be live on the platform between 6.30pm and 7.30pm on Thursday 12 September 2024 to update the public on what steps have been taken collectively to keep the public safe in the area. The event is being held online to give the greatest number of people the opportunity to join in, with a recording available for those who can’t watch it live. Chief Superintendent Heather Dixey, BCP LPA Commander, said: “Our first event on this topic in June saw well over 100 people attend and we were able to address a number of key issues and subjects on the evening. We will be using this second event to provide an update on the activity that has been taking place over the summer to keep residents, businesses and visitors safe and allay fears over safety in the town.” Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick said: “Holding online meetings via social media offers out an opportunity to engage to a much wider audience. It makes those of us on the panel more accessible, more able to listen to your concerns and answer your questions. “When we held the initial Facebook LIVE back in July, we all made a commitment to come back and update the people of Dorset and that’s exactly what we will all be doing, so I hope that you will be able to join us and take advantage of the opportunity to engage with us direct.” Councillor Kieron Wilson, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Regulatory Services at BCP Council, said: “This Facebook LIVE event is an opportunity for us to speak directly to residents, listen to their concerns, and provide reassure of the work we are continuing to do alongside Dorset Police to ensure Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole is area that everyone can enjoy safely.” You can follow this event via the live stream on the Dorset Police, Bournemouth Police, BCP Council and PCC Facebook pages where you will have the opportunity to ask questions during the broadcast. Anyone who does not have access is encouraged to visit the Dorset Police YouTube account where you can access the live event without needing an account. Message Sent By: Dorset Police - Media Team ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ProtectYourPension: Action Fraud warns to look out for pension fraudsters as new data reveals a total loss of £17.7 million in 2023 Action Fraud is warning savers to stay vigilant and protect their pensions and investments from fraudsters trying to trick people out of their lifetime savings, as new data reveals £17.7 million lost to pension fraud last year. There were 559 reports of pension fraud in total and £17,750,635 lost in 2023, with an average loss of £46,959 per person. Action Fraud, the national fraud and cybercrime reporting service, has launched a pension fraud awareness campaign, warning people to protect their pension pots and investments from fraudsters, by encouraging the public to do their research before making changes to pension arrangements. Claire Webb, Acting Director of Action Fraud, said: “Criminals will go to great lengths to trick anyone out of their money, in this case, it’s someone’s lifesavings at risk. Losing any sum of money saved for retirement can be devastating. “Prevent a fraudster from taking away the hard-earned cash you’ve put towards your retirement by protecting your pension and investments, and doing the research on who you’re dealing with before making any big changes. “Avoid pension opportunities offered out of the blue, like pension reviews or too good to be true investment opportunities. Don’t let anyone rush you into making big decisions and seek advice from an independent professional service or trusted family and friends.” Pension fraud often includes free pension reviews, too good to be true investment opportunities, pension transfer opportunities, or offers to help release money from your pension , even if you’re under 55. Data also revealed April had the highest number of reported losses, accounting for 15% of total reported losses in 2023. Individuals who go on to report fraud, tend to check on their pensions to review their financial positions in the new financial year and only notice the fraudulent activity upon checking their pension’s status. Steve Smart, Joint Executive Director of Enforcement and Market Oversight, at the Financial Conduct Authority, commented:  “It doesn’t matter the size of your pension pot, scammers will target anyone to destroy their retirement dreams so it’s vital that consumers know how to protect themselves. “The best way to protect yourself is to know who you’re dealing with. Always check the FCA Register to make sure that anyone offering you pension advice or any other financial service is authorised by the FCA to perform the service they are providing for you, and that the details they are providing are the same as those on the Register. “Unexpected and unsolicited offers, free pension reviews, promises of high returns which sound too good to be true and pressure to make a decision quickly are all warning signs of scam. Use the information and tools on the FCA Website to protect yourself and your retirement.” Michael Broomfield, Head of Intelligence at The Pensions Regulator (TPR), said: “Tackling pension scams remains a top priority for TPR which is why we lead the Pension Scams Action Group, a multi-agency taskforce bringing government, industry and law enforcement together to stop scammers and prevent savers falling victim. “The pensions industry must also play its part by reporting any suspicions about scams and joining the 700 schemes who have already committed to our saver-protecting Pledge to Combat Pension Scams campaign.” How can you protect yourself? Here are some steps to protect yourself fraudsters trying to get your pension. Unsolicited communication about your pension: if you get a call out of the blue (a cold call) about your pension, the safest thing to do is hang up. It’s illegal and probably a fraudster. If you get offers via email or text, you should simply ignore them. Seek advice first: if you’re thinking about changing your pension arrangements, you should get financial advice beforehand. If you want to find an adviser, make sure they’re authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority. Never take advice from the company that contacted you, this may be part of the scam. Investment opportunities: don’t be rushed into making an investment. Remember, legitimate organisations will never pressure you into investing on the spot. You should treat investment opportunities with extreme caution if there’s: pressure to invest (eg time-limited offers); downplayed risk of losing your money; or promised returns that sound too good to be true. Be mindful of tax implications: you’ll pay up to 55% tax on payments from your pension provider if they make an ‘unauthorised payment’. This is a payment made outside of the government’s tax rules and usually includes: any payments before you’re 55 (there are exceptions); a ‘trivial commutation’ lump sum of over £30,000; or regular payments into your account after you’ve died. For more information on pensions, please visit: https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/ What to do if you have been a victim: Report it: if you’re worried about a potential scam, or you think you may have been contacted by a fraudster, report it the Financial Conduct Authority. Call them on 0800 111 6768 or use the contact form to get in touch. If you have made a payment: inform your bank as soon as possible, they can help you prevent any further losses. Monitor your bank statements regularly for any unusual activity. Message Sent By: Damian Cranny (Dorset Police, Fraud Protect Officer, Dorset) September 6, 2024 Telephone preference service Please find attached leaflet on the Free Telephone Preference Service. It outlines how to report potential telephone fraud offences and assists authorities to identify and stop rogue callers; prevent financial exploitation; and safeguard your wellbeing. ---------------------------- Attachments TPS DORSET - JPG Message Sent By: Alyson Moore (Dorset Police & NHWN, Resilient Community Co-ordinator, Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole) September 2, 2024 Zombie Knife? Machete? Surrender it now! This week a new knife surrender scheme launched across the country, in a bid to encourage those who have a zombie knife or machete to turn it into the authorities. This month-long initiative includes compensation for those who are eligible and meet the criteria, and at the end of the month, the law around these types of knives will change and they will be added to a list of prohibited offensive weapons, closing an existing loophole in the law. In Dorset, these weapons can be surrendered at three police stations – Bournemouth, Poole, and Weymouth until September 23. I strongly urge anyone in possession of one of these weapons to hand it over. Carrying a knife of any kind only puts you in more danger of getting seriously hurt or even killed. If you know someone who carries a knife of any description, please talk to them, and encourage them to surrender these weapons. They are only increasing their risk of getting injured or injuring someone else by taking a knife out with them. I want to be very clear; tackling knife crime in Dorset is a key priority. Work to ensure our current low rate of knife crime remains that way is relentless but as I have stated before, it cannot be solved through policing alone. In Dorset, alongside robust enforcement from the Force, we work closely with partners such as the local authorities on early intervention and education, which are both vital to prevent these despicable crimes from taking place. Since I became Dorset’s Police and Crime Commissioner, I have worked with every stakeholder partner available to address this issue, lobbied government ministers, invested in services and supported projects, preventative education and campaigns and I continue to support the family of Cameron Hamilton and their Changes Are Made charity. But I know it’s not enough to stop here. That’s why I remain absolutely committed to bringing a Violence Reduction Unit to Dorset. This will ensure the right services are provided at the right time, with early intervention placed front and centre. Solving the issue of knife crime transcends local policing; it needs a national response. While schemes such as the latest surrender initiative are absolutely welcome, I believe we need to go further to turn the tide. Too many lives have been lost and I am determined to ensure another family does not have to endure another tragedy. That’s why earlier this month I wrote to the Policing Minister over the issue of knife crime and asking for a commitment to help fund a Violence Reduction Unit in Dorset. You can read the letter in full here PCC letter to Policing Minister over knife crime · I know that by working together, putting the people we serve first and doing all we can collectively to stop the illegal use of knives in our society, we can stop this scourge wreaking further havoc and tragedy in our communities. Help us take these crucial steps by doing the right thing this month and remove dangerous weapons from the streets. Whether this is by handing one over or having a conversation, your actions could help save a life. David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Message Sent By: Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner Home  Copyright ©2008 All rights reserved Design by reducetherisk.com