Neighbourhood Alert Reports These reports are as received from the Police Cooordinators, and not edited by me October 17, 2026 Neighbourhood Policing Team Weekly Update Hello everyone! We wish to share with you a quick look at some of the work your local neighbourhood teams have been doing to keep our community safe and connected this week. Firstly, your local officers have conducted welfare checks on many vulnerable individuals, this includes a confused vulnerable male, a swimmer suspected to be full clothes and swimming out to see. Officers have carried out proactive foot patrols around the Sovereign centre to check on the welfare of homeless persons taking shelter from the rain following contact from the security team. Officers have also responded to a Burglary! For property security advice take a look at - Police.com. Many of our local police officers have been assisting keeping the community a safe and fun environment when hosting the recent football Europa league match for the Bournemouth Cherries. With an amazing 3-0 win! Also this week, Boscombe neighbourhood team were able to act on information provided by our local communities, whereby they have obtained a Misuse of Drugs Act warrant for an address in Boscombe. Officers forced entry into this address and a Cannabis grow was located and destroyed. Three people were found and have been arrested and are in police custody. In addition, your local Springbourne and East cliff officers have been carrying out ongoing work trying to help tackle ongoing ASB issues raised by the local community. Finally, a male as been arrested in relation to ongoing ASB issues and a disturbance in Boscombe Chine Gardens. Police will continue to conduct visible patrols in the area. We hope you have a safe and enjoyable week! Message Sent By: 1122 Mia Rushen (Dorset Police, Police Constable, Bournemouth East & Christchurch) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Supporting Safer Communities Through GPS Tagging Dorset residents deserve to feel safe in their communities, which is why my office is supporting the important work of Dorset's Integrated Offender Management (IOM) Team through the funding of GPS tags for offenders managed in the community. The office currently funds 10 IOM tags each year at a cost of £13,800 (or £1,380 per tag). These GPS tags can be used on a range of offenders, including those convicted of burglary, sexual offences and domestic abuse. The IOM team brings together police, probation and prison services, alongside drug and alcohol support, health and housing partners, to address the root causes of offending and break the cycle of repeat crime. They provide the necessary interventions to address the causes of each offender's behaviour and help break the repeated cycle of offending. By working together to reduce reoffending they can reduce crime and reduce the numbers of victims of crime. GPS tagging acts as a key tool in preventing and detecting crime. If an offender commits an offence while wearing a tag, location data can be used to establish where they were at the time, helping investigators link them to, or eliminate them from, enquiries. Recent changes to the Sentencing Act will result in a greater number of offenders being managed in the community, increasing the demand for electronic monitoring such as GPS tagging. Maintaining public confidence in the criminal justice system during this period of change is vital. Dorset Police, probation and partner agencies are prepared for these changes and are working closely together to ensure offenders are robustly managed, risks are reduced and communities remain protected. I understand and share victims' concerns about offenders being released from prison earlier than expected. That is why it is essential that these arrangements are backed by robust monitoring and clear consequences for those who fail to comply. Dorset Police will know who is being released into our communities and will support Probation to enforce their sentences and the force will make the most of all the options available to us to ensure that the risk offenders pose outside of prison is mitigated and victims are protected, including through the use of protective orders and electronic tagging. This funding is a strong example of how we are investing in practical measures that help keep Dorset safe. GPS tagging supports enforcement, strengthens offender management, aids rehabilitation and helps prevent further victims of crime. At a time when more offenders will be managed in the community, these tags provide an important tool for police and probation services, helping maintain public confidence that effective measures are in place to protect our communities. They can also act as a deterrent. Knowing their movements are being monitored may discourage offenders from becoming involved in further criminal activity. In some cases, it may also deter others from attempting to involve a tagged individual in offending. Additional restrictions can be imposed through the scheme, including curfews and exclusion zones that prevent offenders from entering specific areas. These tags also support rehabilitation by providing greater structure and accountability for offenders. By helping individuals comply with conditions and reduce further offending, tagging can contribute to increased stability in their lives. This stability can encourage offenders to engage with support services, attend appointments and access education, training and employment opportunities that can help them build a more positive future. It can also make it easier for offenders to maintain positive contact with family members, rebuild trust and strengthen support networks that play an important role in preventing reoffending and supporting long-term change. This work is a strong example of agencies working together to make Dorset safer. By investing in initiatives such as GPS tagging, we can better monitor offenders, support rehabilitation, reduce reoffending and help prevent future victims of crime. I would like to thank everyone involved in the Integrated Offender Management Team for their continued commitment to keeping our communities safe. David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Message Sent By: Hollie Carr (PCC, Communications and Engagement Officer, Dorset) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Switch to Passkeys: Protect Your Accounts as Email and Social Media Hacking Soars Report Fraud is urging the public to protect their online accounts after stolen sums from email and social media hacking surged by 417 per cent in the last year. Reported losses rose from £1.2 million in 2024/25 to £6.3 million in 2025/26, while reports of account hacking increased by 34 per cent, making it the most reported form of cyber crime in the UK. Other types of account takeovers were also identified within reports, including gaming and streaming accounts, as well as travel and online delivery accounts. As part of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Report Fraud has launched a campaign encouraging people to better protect themselves online by switching to passkeys and strengthening account security. Account hacking occurs when criminals gain unauthorised access to an email, social media or online account and use it to commit further fraud. Once an account has been compromised, fraudsters may impersonate the account owner to target family and friends, request money, sell fake tickets or carry out other scams. One of the most common themes identified from reports is criminals using hacked accounts to impersonate trusted contacts. What starts as a single compromised account can quickly have a wider impact. Victims may lose access to important accounts, have personal information exposed and face the distress of knowing criminals could be using their identity to target others. Friends, family members and colleagues may also become victims if they mistakenly trust messages sent from a hacked account. The good news is that there are simple steps everyone can take to improve their online security and make it harder for criminals to gain access. Protect yourself online Use passkeys wherever they are available. Passkeys are more secure and easier to use than traditional passwords. Where passkeys are unavailable, use strong, unique passwords generated by a password manager and enable two-step verification whenever possible. Review your privacy settings. Make sure your social media content is only visible to the people you want to see it, such as friends and family. Be careful about sharing personal information online. Details such as your birthday, where you live, family relationships or pet names can be used by fraudsters to build a picture of you and make scams more convincing. Verify unexpected messages. If someone you know contacts you through social media or email, don't automatically assume it is really them. Contact them through another method, such as a phone call, text message or in person, before responding. If you believe your account has already been hacked, report it to Report Fraud and seek advice on recovering access and securing your accounts. Join the Report Fraud Social Media and Email Hacking Webinar As part of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Report Fraud is hosting a webinar on protecting your email and social media accounts from hackers and fraudsters. The session will cover the latest threats, practical security measures, and the simple steps you can take to keep your accounts safe from compromise. Whether you're looking to strengthen your own online security or help protect friends and family, this webinar will provide expert guidance and actionable advice. Register your place here: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/53994f64-090f-4887-8744-3422da79ad56@9386af3d-781b-4bad-8559-7170be76bad9 Message Sent By: Report Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Report Fraud alert: Police forces being impersonated in scam calls using ‘spoofed’ phone numbers Report Fraud, run by the City of London Police, is urging the public to be sure of who they are talking to following a spike in reports of calls from ‘spoofed’ police force phone numbers. Analysis of data from Report Fraud, the national cyber crime and fraud reporting service, shows that there has been an increase in reports made where the caller has purported to be from a police force from a variety of areas across the country. The City of London Police itself, the National Lead Force for fraud, has also taken thousands of crime reports of a similar nature. But in reality, it is a criminal contacting a member of the public, using a ‘spoofed’ phone number to try and obtain sensitive personal or financial details so that fraud can then go on to be committed. Often, the criminals will claim that the victim will be helping with an investigation by providing the personal or financial information they are asking for. While a number of calls about this type of fraud has been made to Report Fraud, this is likely to be the tip of the iceberg and a far bigger problem that is not reported, so the full scale is unknown. Criminals use ‘spoofing’ software to intentionally cover up their real caller ID and instead, mirror the phone number of a legitimate organisation. They do this to make it appear that calls or text messages are coming from a trusted organisation like the police, banks or government agencies. These scam calls may use AI technology, be automated or from a real person. Their main goal is to trick you into sharing personal information or to transfer money. How to protect yourself Remember that genuine service providers, banks and the police will NEVER call asking you to transfer money, share personal financial details or hand over remote control of your computer. If you are in any way suspicious, or feel pressured into anything, hang up and take time to check if the call is genuine. Call back on a number you know to be genuine, for example as shown on your utility bills or the back of your card. You can also call 159 to get through to your bank, or 101 for the police. Don’t trust the Caller ID display on your phone – it’s not proof of ID, Report a suspicious phone call If you've lost money or have been hacked as a result of responding to a phishing message or scam call, you should report it to Report Fraud. In England, Wales or Northern Ireland, visit https://www.reportfraud.police.uk/ or call 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, report to Police Scotland by calling 101. You should also report suspected scam calls by sending a text to 7726 with the word ‘Call’ and the caller's number. If you’ve shared personal information with a suspicious caller Learn how to protect yourself if you think you’ve shared personal information. If you’ve visited a website you think is suspicious, you can report a scam website or link to us. Message Sent By: Report Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National) October 10, 2026 Neighbourhood Policing Team Weekly Update Hello everyone, The Boscombe & Christchurch Neighbourhood Policing Team have had a very busy and proactive week. Here is an overview of the work your local Neighbourhood Policing Team have carried out this week: 2 Community Resolutions issued for a 'Kerb It Course', reference kerb crawling, outraging public decency, & being located in a remote area with female in a vehicle for the purposes of solicitation. 2 women engaged with for support and advised to leave the area 1 arrest for a Fail To Appear Warrant (FTA) 4 local residents liaised with reference ongoing issues 1 drunk male removed from the area and alcohol seized. 1 report reference a suspicious vehicle - dealt with by words of advice to the driver 3 Community Protection Warnings (CPW) issued - 2 of them to males 7 women seen and engaged with, and advised to leave the area, One was outstanding for offences, and when arrested, was found to be in possession of Class A drugs, resulting in 2 charges. 1 drunk male located sitting in Knyveton Gardens and moved on from the area CPW issued for anti-social behaviour reference a problem address in Mudeford 4 x cuckooing/safeguarding checks conducted in Christchurch. Liaised with night time economy reference report of noxious substance discarded. Attended report of racially abusive public order at a High Street restaurant. Safeguarded a vulnerable female reportedly discarding items from a window onto a public highway. Detained an aggressive shoplifter and all property returned Engaged with a vulnerable adult regarding an erratic and anti-social neighbour Hot spot patrols in Friar Cliff/E-scooter seized from a reported traffic offence School patrol at The Grange High visibility patrols in Christchurch and Southbourne reference shoplifting. £500 retail theft being investigated. Reassurance patrols in Boscombe Gardens following a serious incident. Community Resolution (CR) for possession of cannabis ASB - dealing with youths in Christchurch who were breaking into a premises. Attended a Community Contact Point in the Sovereign Centre to discuss local issues and concerns. It's been another busy and productive week for the team, working alongside partners and our local communities to keep people safe and supported. We hope you have a safe and enjoyable week. Message Sent By: 6754 Annette Long (Dorset Police, Police Community Support Officer, Bournemouth East & Christchurch) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Support Available for Victims Following Changes to Prison Release Arrangements With changes to prison release procedures introduced this month, victims and anyone concerned about the release of an offender are being reminded that dedicated support is available. New arrangements came into effect from 1 October under the Sentencing Act 2026, meaning that some prisoners will be released earlier than expected - subject to strict licence conditions and a period of intensive supervision. While the changes are designed to help address prison capacity pressures, protecting victims and the wider public remains a top priority. For some victims, the prospect of an offender being released earlier than expected may cause anxiety or concern, which is why support is available to help people understand the changes, consider their options and access practical and emotional assistance. Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset, David Sidwick said: "I understand that for some victims and their families, news that an offender may be released earlier than expected can be worrying and unsettling. While these changes have been introduced by the Government, it is vital that victims know they are not facing those concerns alone. “There is dedicated support available to help people understand what the changes mean, discuss any worries they may have and access practical and emotional assistance. I would encourage anyone affected to reach out for support and make use of the services available”. Victim Support’s dedicated Offender Release Helpline provides information, emotional and practical support, and help to access other services for people affected by, or worried about, the release of an offender. This service is for anyone affected by the changes, including victims, witnesses, family members, friends, carers and professionals. You can call the Victim Support Offender Release Helpline on 0808 168 9280. In terms of how the Sentencing Act 2026 will impact policing, its core role and priorities remain unchanged. Police will: Continue to relentlessly pursue offenders, make arrests, investigate offences thoroughly, and bring offenders before the courts. Police powers and thresholds for remand remain the same. Continue to manage offenders in the community, respond quickly to breaches and officers will seek the use of protective and community orders, where appropriate. Carry out robust enforcement of protective and community orders, as well as effective partnership working with Probation and other agencies will be critical to making these changes work. Neighbourhood officers in particular will play an important role in monitoring offenders and proactively protecting communities. For more information on the services and help available – please visit go online at Early Release Scheme Support · Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Message Sent By: Hollie Carr (PCC, Communications and Engagement Officer, Dorset) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dorset Residents have their say on reform Over 1,300 responses received as PCC pledges to ensure Dorset's voice is heard in national police reform debate. Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick has today published the results of a public consultation on the Government's proposed police reform programme, with more than 1,300 residents sharing their views on the future of policing in Dorset. The survey was launched in August to give Dorset residents, businesses, and community organisations the opportunity to comment on proposals which could fundamentally reshape policing across England and Wales, including the potential merger of police forces into larger regional organisations. The consultation was undertaken because the national review process is not directly seeking public views, and the Commissioner was determined that Dorset's residents should have a voice in discussions that could affect their police service for decades to come. A total of 1,302 responses were received, with results showing that while many residents were unaware of the proposed reforms, there are significant concerns about what any future changes could mean for local policing in Dorset. The survey found that: 51% of respondents were unaware of the proposed reforms before taking part in the survey. 55% opposed the proposal to merge police forces into larger regional forces, while 17% supported the idea and 28% were unsure. Residents identified concerns around maintaining local policing and local priorities (83%), policing knowledge of local areas (70%), and visibility of police officers (68%). The most recognised potential benefits related to an improved ability to tackle complex crime such as cybercrime and organised crime, and greater sharing of resources between forces. Commenting on the findings, David Sidwick, Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, said: "I would like to thank everyone who took the time to complete this survey. When I launched this consultation, I made it clear that Dorset's voice must be heard as discussions around police reform continue nationally. The response has been extremely strong and demonstrates that local people care deeply about the future of their police service. "The results show that many residents have real concerns about the potential impact of policing reform, particularly around the loss of local policing, local accountability and Dorset's ability to set its own priorities. These findings reflect many of the concerns I have been raising since these proposals first emerged. "At the same time, residents recognise the need for policing to evolve and appreciate the benefits that reform could bring in areas such as tackling serious organised crime, cybercrime and other increasingly complex threats. "What this survey makes clear is that people want reassurance that any changes will improve policing outcomes, not simply create larger organisations. Reform should be judged by whether it keeps communities safer, strengthens neighbourhood policing and delivers a better service to the public." The consultation also highlighted wider concerns submitted through free-text responses, including fears that rural counties such as Dorset could receive lower priority within a larger regional structure, concerns about accountability and governance arrangements, and calls for increased investment in frontline policing. Many respondents also questioned whether the benefits being proposed could be achieved through greater collaboration between forces rather than formal mergers. Mr Sidwick added: "I have consistently said that there is a case for modernisation and that policing must continue to adapt to changing criminality, technology and public expectations. However, change should only happen where there is clear evidence that it will deliver better outcomes for communities. "I remain concerned that there is currently no clear business case which demonstrates the full costs and benefits of some of the proposals being discussed nationally. Dorset residents are understandably asking important questions about what this could mean for local policing, and those questions deserve answers. "I will now ensure that the views expressed through this consultation are fed directly into national discussions so that Dorset's interests are properly represented. Whatever reforms emerge, I will continue to fight for strong local policing, fair funding for Dorset, and robust local accountability.” David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Message Sent By: Hollie Carr (PCC, Communications and Engagement Officer, Dorset) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Early Intervention, Lasting Impact: Supporting Young People Through Crisis “It’s nice knowing someone really cares,” This is just some of the amazing feedback shared with my team about the brilliant Emergency Department Youth Workers Initiative which my office helps to fund alongside University Hospital Dorset Charity (UHD). In this week’s newsletter I would like to shine a light on this fantastic initiative, which is being run by No Limits, an organisation which offers specialised emotional support, crisis intervention and access to ongoing services for young people in need of help. It aims to significantly reduce the likelihood of future re-admissions to hospital from this age group, ensuring young people are safer. In the ED, youth workers are on hand to support victims of crime or those involved in violence as well as being available to talk through a range of issues including drug and alcohol education, homelessness, self-harm, emotional resilience, sexual health, money and budgeting. As Police and Crime Commissioner, I fund this service because we know that timely support can help prevent vulnerable young people from becoming victims of crime, becoming involved in violence or exploitation, or reaching crisis point again in the future. Figures from the latest quarter show that from April to June 2026, youth workers engaged with 65 young people, delivering a total of 159 related interactions which included discussions with young people, their families, clinicians, and support services. The number of young people supported increased significantly compared to the previous quarter, with the service helping young people aged between 12 and 22. Around 74% of those supported were female. No Limits has also been able to share some valuable case studies revealing how vital this service is. A powerful example of the initiative’s impact involved a 12-year-old who attended the emergency department following an assault at school. Through conversations with the young person and their mother, the youth worker identified wider challenges linked to suspected autism and ADHD, including difficulties with communication, school attendance and self-harm behaviours. The youth worker provided practical communication tools, signposted the family to additional support services and successfully advocated for a same-day CAMHS referral, ensuring the young person received urgent mental health support. By addressing underlying issues at an early stage, the intervention helped reduce the risk of further crisis and future hospital attendance. A further case study highlights the complex needs of many young people supported by the service. A young woman attended the emergency department in severe distress, reporting she did not feel safe returning home and was at risk of self-harm. She had experienced homelessness, family breakdown, criminal exploitation and drug use, leaving her particularly vulnerable and limiting some of the support options available to her during her crisis. The youth worker provided practical and emotional support throughout her time in hospital, helping her manage her distress, meet her immediate needs and remain engaged while awaiting psychiatric assessment. By building trust and providing a consistent, supportive presence during a period of crisis, the Youth Worker helped reduce the young person's immediate distress and ensured she received compassionate support at a time when she felt particularly vulnerable. Another young man attended the emergency department after self-harming during a period of acute emotional distress linked to ongoing family difficulties and separation from his young daughter. The youth worker provided a calm, non-judgemental space for him to talk through his concerns, helping him focus on his strengths as a father and identify practical steps he could take to improve his situation. By offering emotional support, signposting him to specialist advocacy services and helping him better understand his rights, the youth worker was able to reduce his distress and restore a sense of hope. As a result, he remained engaged with the support available in hospital and went on to engage positively with psychiatric liaison services, leaving with what he described as a clear ‘roadmap’ for moving forward. These case studies are just a snapshot of the difference the Emergency Department Youth Workers Initiative is making for young people and their families across Dorset. The feedback received from those who have benefited from the service speaks volumes, with one young person saying: “It’s nice knowing someone really cares,” while another said the youth workers were “lifesavers” and that they “probably would have left the hospital if they hadn't have been here.” Parents have praised the team's “true and genuine empathy”, while young people consistently describe staff as “kind, caring, compassionate and understanding.” Hospital professionals have also recognised the value of the service, describing it as “much needed” and praising Youth Workers for helping to make hospital a less overwhelming experience, particularly for vulnerable young people in crisis. As Police and Crime Commissioner, I am proud that my office continues to support this invaluable initiative alongside University Hospital Dorset Charity. The case studies and feedback highlighted here show the profound impact youth workers can have when young people are experiencing some of the most difficult moments in their lives. By providing a trusted person to listen, practical support and access to the right services at the right time, this initiative is helping to keep vulnerable young people safe, reduce future harm and give them hope for the future. I would like to thank No Limits and everyone involved in delivering this vital service for the difference they continue to make to young lives across Dorset every day. David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Message Sent By: Hollie Carr (PCC, Communications and Engagement Officer, Dorset) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Our 2025–26 Impact Report is here – celebrating what we've achieved together Today, we are delighted to share our Neighbourhood Watch Network 2025–26 Impact Report. This report celebrates everything we have achieved together over the past year and showcases the incredible difference made by our members, volunteers, Coordinators, Association Leads, partners and supporters across England and Wales. It demonstrates how, together, we are creating safer, stronger and more connected communities through our shared commitment to Watch, Connect and Act. Over the past year, we have continued to grow and strengthen our movement, supporting millions of households, launching our new five-year strategy, delivering innovative projects, working alongside police and partners, and empowering local people to make a real difference where they live. None of this would have been possible without your support. Inside the report you'll discover: How over 2.3 million households are now a part of the Neighbourhood Watch movement. The work of our Coordinators and volunteers who continue to make a positive difference in their local communities. The impact of our crime prevention campaigns, community wellbeing initiatives, volunteer programmes, partnerships and community projects. Inspiring stories from across England and Wales that show how local people are bringing neighbours together and making communities safer. Our new 2026–2030 Strategy, centred around Watch, Connect and Act, which will shape the future of Neighbourhood Watch. Every achievement featured in this report has been made possible because of people like you. Whether you volunteer your time, lead a local scheme, support a neighbour, attend an event, work with us as a partner, or simply champion the values of Neighbourhood Watch, you are helping to make Britain a place where neighbours look out for each other. Thank you. We hope you'll take a few moments to read the report, reflect on everything we've accomplished together during 2025–26, and share it with your friends, family, colleagues and local community. The more people who see the impact of Neighbourhood Watch, the more communities we can inspire to join our movement. As we look ahead, we are excited to build on these achievements and continue working with you to create communities that are safer, stronger and more connected than ever before. Thank you for being part of the Neighbourhood Watch family. We have attached a copy of the report to this message and you can also click on the link to view our webpage, which has our new Impact Report and our previous ones too, https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/impact. Please feel free to share our report with any of your networks, friends and neighbours. Message Sent By: Cheryl Spruce (NWN, Head of Membership & Community Engagement, England and Wales) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Mobile Police Station - Highcliffe : Thu 15 Oct 11:00 The Dorset Police mobile Police station will be at: When and Where? Thu 15 Oct 2026 11:00 - 13:00 Highcliffe Cliff Top Car Park, Christchurch BH23 5DF ///hears.tutorial.calm Message Sent By: Dorset Neighbourhood Engagement Team ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Video released around the dangers of urban exploring Dorset Police is urging parents, carers and guardians to speak to their children about the dangers of urban exploring, following an increase in reports across parts of the county. Urban exploring, sometimes known as "urbexing", is a growing trend that sees young people entering abandoned buildings, empty properties and derelict sites, often filming their activities and sharing them on social media. While it may appear adventurous or exciting, the reality is very different. * Abandoned buildings can be structurally unsafe * Floors, roofs and staircases can collapse without warning * Serious or life-changing injuries can occur in seconds * Entering private property without permission is illegal and can lead to criminal offences being committed To highlight these dangers, Dorset Police has produced a new video aimed at parents, carers and guardians. The video demonstrates the devastating consequences that can result from urban exploring and includes real examples of young people putting themselves at risk. Police Constable Dominic Frost of Bournemouth Police said: We would urge people not to put themselves in danger by engaging in this type of activity. Sadly, while such activities may be seen as amusing or thrill-seeking, they can end in tragedy and I would urge those involved to stop before somebody is seriously injured or killed. It is not only dangerous but illegal to trespass on private property and could lead to life-changing consequences for those who choose to do so. Through this new video, we are asking parents and guardians to play their part by ensuring they know where their children are at all times. So please, take a few minutes today to talk to your children about the dangers of urban exploring. You could help prevent that knock at the door that every parent dreads. * Watch the video here: https://youtube.com/shorts/IHfzL2DwFDs We are asking all parents, carers and guardians to take a few moments to watch the video and have a conversation with their children about the risks. A simple discussion today could prevent a serious incident tomorrow. If you have information about urban exploring or suspicious activity at vacant properties, please contact Dorset Police online or by calling 101 Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online using its website or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111. Message Sent By: Corporate Communications ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Telephone Order & Chargeback Fraud Dorset businesses are being warned about an increase in fraud involving telephone orders and stolen bank card details. This fraud can also affect anyone selling high-value items online. How the Scam Works A fraudster places an order over the phone using stolen card details. The payment is processed as a Cardholder Not Present (CNP) transaction. A courier, taxi or third party collects the goods. The genuine cardholder later reports the transaction as fraudulent. The payment is reversed through a chargeback, leaving the business without the goods or the money. Protect Your Business - Top Tips # Be cautious of customers requesting third-party collection of goods. # For high-value orders, ask the purchaser to attend in person with the payment card and photo ID. # If the customer attends, refund the telephone payment and reprocess the transaction with the card present and PIN used. # Always obtain and verify the CVV/security code and use Address Verification Service (AVS) checks where available. # Be suspicious where the billing and collection/delivery addresses differ. # Keep records of orders, customer communications and proof of delivery. # Use 3D Secure/Strong Customer Authentication where available to help verify genuine cardholders. # Ensure staff understand the risks and liabilities associated with Cardholder Not Present (CNP) transactions. Warning Signs # Large or unusual orders # High-value, easily resold goods # Customers unwilling to provide additional verification # Urgent requests for same-day collection # Collection by couriers, taxis or unknown third parties Remember: A card payment being authorised does not confirm that the purchaser is the legitimate cardholder. Authorisation only confirms that funds are available and the card has not been reported lost or stolen. Please share with local retailers, trade suppliers and businesses across Dorset. If you have been a victim of fraud, contact reportfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040. Message Sent By: Damian Cranny (Dorset Police, Fraud Protect Officer, Dorset October 2, 2026 Neighbourhood Policing Team Weekly Update Hello everyone, The Boscombe & Christchurch Neighbourhood Policing Team have had a very busy and proactive week. Here's a quick look at some of the work we've been doing to keep our community safe and connected 4 x Reports of antisocial behaviour 5 x Address checks and reassurance visits 3 x Hours of patrol on foot/mobile in problem area Officers from the Boscombe Neighbourhood Policing Team, working alongside Anti-Social Behaviour Officers from BCP Council, have also successfully secured a full closure order on an address in Hamilton Court, Hamilton Road. The address had been linked to ongoing anti-social behaviour, drug use and other criminal activity that was having a significant impact on the local community. A closure order makes it an offence for unauthorised individuals to enter the property, with anyone breaching the order liable to arrest. This action helps disrupt further criminality and anti-social behaviour associated with the addresses. This result has been achieved through the hard work and dedication of police officers, council staff and our partners, with the order granted by the local court following evidence gathered over time from the community. We remain committed to working closely with residents and partner agencies across Boscombe and Springbourne, taking a collaborative approach to tackling crime, reducing anti-social behaviour and making our communities safer for everyone. Please continue to report incidents to us. The information you provide helps us take action where it is needed most. Two section 8 Pace warrants were executed at an address on Christchurch Road. A quantity of cash and suspected Class A Drugs located with three males arrested and released on police bail whilst the investigation continues. We hope you have a safe and enjoyable week. Message Sent By: 5343 Samantha Murray (Dorset Police, Police Community Support Officer, Bournemouth East & Christchurch) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Standing Firm Against Spiking Spiking is a despicable crime that can leave victims feeling vulnerable, frightened and unsafe. While incidents in Dorset remain relatively low, even one offence is one too many. As Police and Crime Commissioner, I am committed to supporting work that helps prevent these offences and improves safety across Dorset's night-time economy. This includes working with Dorset and BCP councils to obtain Home Office ‘Safer Streets Funding’ which was launched to fund initiatives that support the prevention of crimes relating to violence against women and girls, neighbourhood crime and antisocial behaviour. Additionally, my office recently funded two specialist drugs dogs trained to detect date rape drugs, chemsex drugs and Class A drugs for a project vigilant operation in Weymouth which used both uniformed and plain-clothed officers to identify and respond to suspicious or predatory behaviour. Plain-clothed officers spot the early warning signs, while uniformed colleagues intervene where necessary, using a range of measures from advice and dispersal orders to arrest. Project Vigilant also ran across Bournemouth and similarly, officers across the county have been taking part in Operation Nighthawk, a positive initiative providing a high visibility presence in the nighttime economy – deploying both uniformed and non-uniformed officers. Let me be clear: it should never be down to a potential victim to safeguard themselves against the appalling behaviour of those who seek to harm others. Responsibility sits entirely with the perpetrator. However, until these offences are eradicated, taking practical steps to stay safe and supporting friends on nights out can help prevent further harm. While rates of spiking in Dorset are low, work is also being done to raise awareness of the signs to look out for as the county prepares to welcome hundreds of new university students, many of whom may be living away from home for the first time. If you are socialising, please never leave your drink unattended and, where possible, watch it being prepared and served. Be wary of accepting drinks from people you do not know and trust and if a friend suddenly appears unusually intoxicated, confused, disorientated or unwell, do not leave them alone. There are a number of products available that have been designed to help reduce the risk of drink spiking and give people greater peace of mind when enjoying a night out. If you attended the Dorset County Show, you may have seen my team handing out Spikeys. These are small stoppers that fit into the neck of most bottles, leaving only a hole for a straw, making it more difficult for someone to place tablets, powders or other substances into a drink without being noticed. StopTopps on the other hand are flexible drink protectors that cover the top of glasses, bottles and cans, helping to deter tampering while still allowing the drink to be consumed. While these can be useful safety tools, it is important to remember that the responsibility for spiking always lies with the offender, never the victim. These products should be viewed as an additional precaution alongside sensible measures such as keeping drinks in sight, staying with friends and reporting any concerns immediately. Know the signs of spiking: Feeling dizzy or disorientated Sudden drowsiness Difficulty speaking or concentrating Memory loss Feeling significantly more intoxicated than expected Nausea or vomiting If you think you or someone you know has been spiked, you should seek help immediately. Speak to venue staff, security personnel, a trusted friend or contact the police. If urgent medical assistance is required, call 999. Dorset Police also work with bars, clubs and other venues to train staff to recognise the symptoms of spiking. Instances of spiking should always be reported so that officers can investigate. Every report can help build a bigger picture of what is happening and help identify any patterns. Support When You're Out Dorset is fortunate to have a range of organisations offering help and reassurance during nights out. Bournemouth Town Pastors and Weymouth Street Pastors are both brilliant assets to Dorset, looking out for vulnerable people, looking out for those who may have fallen unwell and being there when things haven’t gone to plan or someone just needs a listening ear, whilst Dorset Police’s Safe Bus (which is now a van) offers a safe space and welfare support for those affected by alcohol, drugs or mental health concerns in Bournemouth’s Horseshoe Common on most Friday and Saturday nights. There is also the Pineapple Project which was funded by the Safer Streets Fund designed to safeguard the young women of Dorset when they are outside of their family homes and in the community. The pioneering scheme was launched in Weymouth in 2022 to tackle hidden harms such as peer-on-peer abuse and exploitation. It involved setting up a network of Community Guardians - local businesses and volunteers - who were trained to provide safe havens for girls and young women. My team at the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner plays a vital role in supporting victims and driving improvements across Dorset. We commission a range of specialist services, including the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) and Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVAs) through STARS Dorset (Sexual Trauma and Recovery Service), ensuring victims can access the specialist support they need. We also work closely with partners to address VAWG though the VAWG Improvement Panel. The panel scrutinises and drives improvements in how violence against women and girls is identified, prevented and responded to across Dorset. I would like to end this newsletter by encouraging people to enjoy everything Dorset's towns, venues and communities have to offer, have a great night out and know we remain committed to making our communities as safe as possible for everyone. David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Message Sent By: Hollie Carr (PCC, Communications and Engagement Officer, Dorset) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- One Decision: Road safety starts with the choices we make Every time we get behind the wheel, we make decisions that can affect not only our own safety, but the safety of everyone else using our roads. Road collisions can have devastating consequences for individuals, families and communities, and I have heard first-hand the lasting impact they can have on those involved. The Government’s 2026 Road Safety Strategy states that around 9 in 10 collisions have human driver error as a contributory factor. This means the decisions we make behind the wheel can make a real difference – helping to keep ourselves and others safe. While we cannot prevent every incident, many collisions are avoidable, and the decisions we make as drivers can play an important part in keeping people safe. That is why I am launching One Decision, a new road safety campaign focused on the simple choices we can all make to help prevent harm on Dorset’s roads. The message behind the campaign is straightforward: every journey is shaped by the decisions we make, and one safe decision could save a life. Throughout October, I will be highlighting different road safety decisions that road users can make – from easing off the accelerator and putting your phone away, to never driving under the influence of illegal drugs or medication that affects your ability to drive safely, to choosing to get public transport or a lift from a friend or simply making sure you and your passengers are wearing a seatbelt. These are simple actions, but they can make a significant difference. Just 10mph can make the difference between life and death. A pedestrian struck at 20mph is 40% more likely to survive than one struck at 30mph. Wearing a seatbelt reduces the risk of death for drivers by 50%, while using a mobile phone while driving makes you four times more likely to be involved in a crash. These figures demonstrate why the choices we make matter. A few seconds to put a phone away, a decision to slow down, choosing not to drive after drinking, or deciding not to get behind the wheel when affected by drugs or medication can seem like small things. But they can have consequences that last a lifetime. The One Decision campaign is deliberately about positive choices. Rather than simply telling people what not to do, I want to encourage everyone to think about what they can do to make their journey safer. For some, that might mean leaving a little earlier so there is no temptation to speed. For others, it could mean putting their phone somewhere they cannot reach it before setting off, planning how they will get home after drinking, or checking whether medication they have been prescribed could affect their ability to drive. It is also important to remember that prescription medication is not automatically safe to take before driving simply because it has been prescribed. If medication carries a warning that it may affect your ability to drive, make sure you understand the advice and do not drive if you are not fit to do so. And road safety is not just about drivers. We all have a part to play, whether we are passengers, cyclists, motorcyclists, pedestrians or other road users. Being aware of the people around us and making safe choices can help make Dorset’s roads safer for everyone. This campaign is just part of the work taking place to support road safety in Dorset. As Police and Crime Commissioner, I continue to support the work of Dorset Police’s Roads Policing Team, Dorset’s many Community Speed Watch teams and all the officers, staff and volunteers who are working to make our roads safer. I have seen first-hand the professionalism and commitment of Dorset Police’s roads policing teams, as well as the valuable contribution made by community volunteers. Their work includes both enforcement and education, helping to tackle dangerous driving and raise awareness of the behaviours that put people at risk and you can read more about it here. But enforcement can only ever be part of the answer. Road safety is a shared responsibility, and we can all do our part to make Dorset’s roads safer. We cannot control every decision another road user makes, but we can control our own. So, as you set off on your next journey, take a moment to think about the one decision you could make to make it safer. One decision to slow down. One decision to buckle up. One decision to put your phone away. One decision to never drive under the influence of drink, drugs or medication that affects your ability to drive. One decision to choose a safe way home. One decision could save a life. David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Message Sent By: Hollie Carr (PCC, Communications and Engagement Officer, Dorset) September 25, 2026 Appeal for witnesses and dashcam following criminal damage in Christchurch Officers are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward following a criminal damage incident in Christchurch. At around 9.25pm on Wednesday 16 September 2026 it was reported that a man threw an e-scooter at a moving vehicle on the Christchurch bypass. Damage was caused to the vehicle – a green Volkswagen Beetle – and the e-scooter. The man was described as white, of average build, wearing a tan-coloured balaclava and ran off in the direction of the town centre. Police Constable James Senior, of Dorset Police, said: “Thankfully, the driver of the car was not injured in the incident. “I am appealing to anyone who may have seen the incident or a man matching the description in the area to please get in touch. “I am particularly keen to hear from anyone who was travelling along the bypass with a dashcam fitted and may have captured the man before or after the incident.” Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police online or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55260145425. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online using its website or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111. Message Sent By: Media and Communications ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Protecting Students from Cyber Crime and Fraud: The University Student Guide As thousands of students prepare to start or return to university this autumn, fraudsters and cyber criminals will be looking for opportunities to exploit the excitement and uncertainty that often comes with a new term. Moving to a new city, arranging accommodation, managing finances and building new social networks can create opportunities for criminals to target students. Whether you're a student, parent, guardian, friend or family member, understanding the risks can help prevent cyber crime and fraud. Criminals use a wide range of tactics to steal your money or obtain personal information that can be used later in a fraud attempt. They operate on websites and apps, by email, text, phone, post or in person, including on your doorstep. Students are also frequently targeted through phishing emails, text messages and social media messages. These communications may appear to come from trusted organisations such as universities, banks, delivery companies or student finance providers. Their aim is to steal personal information, passwords or banking details. What can you do to protect yourself from cyber crime and fraud# These simple steps can make a big difference: Be cautious of unexpected messages asking for personal or financial information. Secure your accounts, especially your email and bank account. Use passkeys over passwords wherever they are available. Where unavailable, use strong passwords, for example generated by a password manager and enable 2-step Verification (2SV). Keep devices updated with the latest security and software updates. Back up your important data and check your account recovery options. Cyber crime and fraud can affect anyone, but awareness remains one of the strongest forms of protection. By recognising common tactics and talking openly about potential risks, we can help students enjoy a safe and successful university experience. To support students and their families, Report Fraud has produced a practical guide packed with advice, real-world examples and simple steps that students can take to protect themselves online and offline throughout university life. Read the University Students Booklet here. Message Sent By: Report Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Neighbourhood Policing Team Weekly Update Hello everyone, The Boscombe & Christchurch Neighbourhood Policing Team have had a proactive week. Here's a quick look at some of the work we've been doing to keep our community safe and connected 5 x Arrests 3 x Reports of antisocial behaviour 1 x Community Resolutions issued 2 x Community engagements at Christchurch & Highcliffe 4 x Address checks and reassurance visits 2 x Hours of patrol on foot/mobile in problem area 1 x CAWN ( child abduction warning notice ) issued to a male concerned in supplying drugs to an under 18 NPT have been made aware of a female in Highcliffe targeting vulnerable people near cashpoints. Information sent out to local residents for their awareness. Investigations are ongoing. NPT have also received reports of youths repeatedly breaking into the RETIRED NURSES NATIONAL HOME on RIVERSIDE AVENUE in BOURNEMOUTH. This is an abandoned building surrounded by security fencing. It is illegal for children or other members of the public to enter the site without the owner’s permission. The building is potentially dangerous and presents significant risk to anyone who chooses to enter the site. We would ask that parents ensure that they know where their children are, and educate them in relation to the potential dangers and illegality of entering abandoned buildings. NPT officers will be performing regular patrols and checks on this building – any intruders can expect to be dealt with robustly. We hope you have a safe and enjoyable week. Message Sent By: 5343 Samantha Murray (Dorset Police, Police Community Support Officer, Bournemouth East & Christchurch) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Supporting Equal Access to Justice for People with Learning Disabilities As Police and Crime Commissioner, I am committed to ensuring that every victim and witness of crime receives the support they need to engage with the criminal justice system and have their voice heard regardless of their circumstances or additional needs. That is why my office is proud to support and fund People First Forum's Witness Support, Preparation and Profiling Service. The service provides specialist support to victims and witnesses with learning disabilities, helping them navigate the criminal justice system with confidence and ensuring they receive the support and reasonable adjustments they need. This work is particularly important as the government rolls out specialist rape and sexual offence courtrooms across England and Wales. The changes, which include trauma-informed support, remote evidence and dedicated victim support, are designed to improve victims' experiences of the criminal justice system and strengthen access to justice. I would now like to hand over to Paul, Amanda and Cathy at People First Forum to tell you more about their important work. “Our Witness Support, Preparation and Profiling Service was developed with people with learning disabilities to support victims and witnesses of crime. It helps people with learning disabilities understand and participate in the criminal justice process, ensuring they receive the support they need and have the same access to justice as everyone else.” “The service focuses on three key areas: providing direct support, raising awareness and helping people feel safer in their communities. "A key part of our work is developing Person-Centred Profiles, which outline an individual's communication needs, support requirements, medical considerations and any reasonable adjustments they may need. These profiles are shared with legal professionals and judges to help witnesses give their best evidence in court." The service also: Arranges court familiarisation visits Provides emotional support and confidence building Helps people understand court processes and legal terminology Ensures access to special measures such as screens, video links and support in court Acts as a central point of contact between agencies and the individual From April 2025 to July 2026, we have: Supported 49 people Managed 91 referrals and charges Assisted 31 victims of crime Supported individuals involved in 24 domestic abuse and 13 sexual abuse cases “Behind every referral is a person whose life has been affected by crime. “One woman with a learning disability and mental health needs was referred to the service while involved in a domestic abuse case. Prior to her referral, the trial had been adjourned at least twice, and her learning disability had not been formally recognised within the court process until discussions around special measures took place. “Over a ten-month period, the team maintained regular contact with her, arranged court visits, prepared a detailed Person-Centred Profile and worked with partners to ensure the right support measures were in place. “The defendant later changed their plea to guilty and received an 18-month suspended prison sentence, 130 hours of unpaid work, a fine and a two-year restraining order. “Most importantly, the woman said she would not have attended court without the support she received from People First Forum.” She said: "They really calmed me down as I was feeling so anxious about going to court. I had a meltdown at work due to all the stress. “I was relieved that he changed his plea to guilty. I didn't know why the trial kept getting adjourned. The more it was delayed, the more stressed I became. “People First were very good at keeping me updated and explaining things in a way I could understand. I was very grateful." Amanda Frost, Learning Disabled Assistant Manager at People First Forum, works alongside the service to ensure people with learning disabilities have a voice in how it is developed and delivered. She said: "It's important that people with learning disabilities are referred to the service as early as possible. Without this support, they may not have a positive experience within the criminal justice system. We want to make sure people receive the support they need and achieve the best possible outcomes." Independent Learning Disabilities Adviser, Paul Thomas, said: “We like to get the referrals as early as possible so we can ensure that special measures are in place and, if not, we can apply for them with the officer in charge.” Everyone deserves equal access to justice and improving on this means understanding and responding to the needs of people with disabilities at every stage of the process. People First Forum's Witness Support, Preparation and Profiling Service is helping people with learning disabilities overcome barriers, have their voices heard and access the support they need. I am proud to support this vital service and the positive difference it continues to make across Dorset. David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Message Sent By: Hollie Carr (PCC, Communications and Engagement Officer, Dorset) September 19, 2026 Online safety advice Dear Resident Students are a favourite target for fraud and other online harms, so Get Safe Online has put together some tips and advice on how they can keep themselves safe online as they return to uni or college this month. Please see below or the attached leaflet and feel free to share with your children or grandchildren who might benefit from the tips provided by our experts. Be a safe student - Get Safe Online Many thanks The Get Safe Online team ----------------------------------- Attachments Sept26_Students_campaign_Leaflet.pdf Message Sent By: Get Safe Online ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DWP Impersonation Scamsr The DWP have started to increase checks of pension credit claimants. This means some pension credit claimants will be asked to provide more information about their capital and income. This might include submitting bank statements and other information. The DWP confirmed that being selected for review does not mean that the claimant has done anything wrong and that they will treat claimants sensitively throughout the process. Due to the risk of scammers who seek to defraud claimants by pretending to be the DWP, affected claimants should check that requests for information are actually coming from DWP before handing over sensitive information. Affected claimants should contact the DWP directly to ensure that requests are coming from the Pension Service. Claimants should call the Pension Service directly on 0800 731 0469 and not on any telephone numbers, text messages or email address provided by potential fraudsters. Subscription scams Rogue advertisers are camouflaging their content on popular websites. There might be a prompt saying ‘click to continue’, which is a disguised advert. It’s designed to blend into the website’s normal content. The prompt can take people to requests to give card details. This might result in people accidentally signing up to a subscription. Which# advises people who have been scammed to contact their card provider to stop any future payments. If the subscription company won’t refund, people can ask for help from their bank. You can read about adverts leading to ‘scamscriptions’ on Which# website. Thanks to Citizens Advice for the information Message Sent By: Damian Cranny (Dorset Police, Fraud Protect Officer, Dorset ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Neighbourhood Policing Team Weekly Update Hello everyone It's been a busy week for your local neighbourhood policing teams. Here's a quick look at some of the work we've been doing to keep our community safe and connected 4 x Arrests 4 x Reports of antisocial behaviour 1 x Community engagements 8 x Address checks and reassurance visits 2 x Hours of patrol on foot/mobile in problem area 3 x Community Protection Warnings 3 members of the Boscombe neighbourhood policing team attended a public medical incident, whereby CPR was conducted at the scene. 1 male was arrested for drink driving Fraud awareness visit conducted 1 x Parish council meeting attended We hope you have a safe and enjoyable week. Message Sent By: 5343 Samantha Murray (Dorset Police, Police Community Support Officer, Bournemouth East & Christchurch) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rural Crime Week: Partnership in Action Across Dorset Last week was National Rural Crime Week of Action run by the National Rural Crime Network. The week was a great opportunity for Dorset Police and its partners to demonstrate the proactive work taking place across the county to prevent crime, disrupt offenders and protect our rural communities. Dorset is fortunate to have some of the most beautiful countryside in the UK. But for those who live and work in our rural communities, it’s is much more than a place to visit – it is their home, their workplace and, for many, their livelihood. Rural crime can take many forms. From the theft of agricultural machinery and equipment to livestock worrying, hare coursing, fly-tipping, criminal damage and anti-social behaviour, its impact can be significant. It can cause financial loss, disrupt livelihoods and leave people feeling vulnerable in places where they should feel safest. Combatting rural crime is one of my top priorities as police and crime commissioner which is why I am pleased to see Dorset Police have been busy during the week of action. Officers from Dorset Police’s Rural Crime Team recovered several thousand pounds’ worth of stolen plant machinery parts in East Dorset. The parts belonged to a company carrying out essential work within our rural communities. Officers also shared intelligence with the Wincanton Neighbourhood Policing Team, which led to the swift recovery of a stolen motorbike. Dorset Police also took part in Operation Ragwort, a multi-force, cross-border operation alongside Avon and Somerset Police, Wiltshire Police, Hampshire Police and Thames Valley Police. The operation focused on targeting offenders involved in rural crime, patrolling hotspot locations and engaging with rural communities. This type of cross-border working is vital. Criminals do not see county boundaries, and by working together, police forces are better placed to protect our communities and make it harder for those who seek to offend. But, like any type of crime, tackling rural crime is not about enforcement alone. During the week, officers from the Rural Crime Team also carried out Yard and Tack Security visits, inspecting equestrian yards and identifying potential security weaknesses that could be exploited by thieves. Taking a few simple steps to improve security can help prevent theft and increase the chances of property being recovered if it is stolen. Tackling rural crime cannot be left to the police alone. It takes partners, organisations and rural communities working together to prevent crime, share information and make sure concerns are heard. During Rural Crime Week of Action, partners have been helping to share practical crime prevention advice, including a video from a Dorset Police Rural Crime Team officer offering tips to help farmers and rural businesses protect their properties. This kind of partnership working is vital in making sure rural communities have access to the information, advice and support they need. It also demonstrates that tackling rural crime is a shared responsibility, with everyone having a role to play. While Rural Crime Week of Action provides an important opportunity to shine a light on this work, tackling rural crime is not something that happens for one week of the year. Through the Dorset Partnership Against Rural Crime (PARC), Dorset Police, my office and partners work together throughout the year to identify emerging issues, share intelligence and support rural communities. This partnership approach recognises that no single organisation can tackle rural crime alone. Importantly, this work is not just about organisations working together – it is about working alongside the people who live and work in our rural communities and making sure their experiences and concerns help shape the response. One farmer involved in Dorset PARC recently highlighted the value of this relationship with Dorset Police’s Rural Crime Team during the week of action. He said “We are very fortunate to have a very pro-active Rural Crime Team in Dorset. The farming community work closely with the Rural Crime Team to get a good understanding on criminal activity, together we can act quickly using the systems we have in place to identify and report criminal activity in our rural areas.” This kind of feedback is a reminder of why strong relationships between rural communities, the police and partners are so important. Those living and working in our countryside are often best placed to understand what is happening locally, and the intelligence they share can play a vital role in helping police prevent crime, identify offenders and protect others from becoming victims. I want to thank Dorset Police’s Rural Crime Team, our partner organisations and, most importantly, our rural communities for the role they play in keeping Dorset safe – not only during this week of action, but throughout the year. Rural crime matters. Rural communities matter. And as policing changes, they must continue to have a strong voice in its future. David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Message Sent By: Hollie Carr (PCC, Communications and Engagement Officer, Dorset) September 12, 2026 Fraud alert: Trusted family members, friends, and carers stole £51 million from pensioners Older and vulnerable people are seeing millions of pounds stolen from them with the fraud committed by those closest to them, according to new figures released by the City of London Police, the national lead force for fraud. Data from Report Fraud reveals that criminals stole £93.8 million through fraud by abuse of position during the 2025/26 financial year, with people aged 70 and over accounting for more than £51 million of those losses. A total of 3,812 reports of fraud by abuse of position were made during the year. This type of fraud occurs when someone exploits a position of responsibility, authority, or trust to access and steal a victim's money, assets or property without lawful authority. Offenders are often family members, friends, carers, employees, or individuals entrusted to manage another person's finances or affairs. The data shows older people are disproportionately affected. Victims aged 70 and over accounted for more than £51 million in reported losses, while those aged 80 to 89 suffered the highest number of reports and the highest financial losses of any age group, losing almost £24 million. Analysis of Report Fraud data identified a number of common offending methods. Many cases involved family members or close friends abusing their position to gain access to a victim's finances, often by stealing bank cards, obtaining banking details or making unauthorised transfers from accounts they could access through regular contact with the victim. In some instances, offending continued after a victim's death, with relatives allegedly manipulating wills or other legal documents to gain control of estates, property, and financial assets. The data also identified 764 reports involving the misuse of powers of attorney, resulting in reported losses of £34.6 million. These cases typically involved offenders exploiting a position of legal authority to control a victim's finances and make unauthorised withdrawals for personal gain. The offending was often linked to elderly or vulnerable victims who relied on trusted individuals to help manage their affairs. There were also 444 reports involving social care workers abusing their position, with reported losses totalling £13.3 million. These cases commonly involved offenders gaining access to victims' bank cards, financial information or personal belongings while providing care and support. The findings highlight how offenders can target people during periods of vulnerability, including ill health, cognitive decline and bereavement. During the reporting period, dementia was referenced in 337 reports and victims were described as vulnerable in 359 reports. The data also identified reports involving probate and allegations of wills or estates being manipulated for financial gain, demonstrating how offenders can exploit individuals and families at some of the most difficult points in their lives. The City of London Police is encouraging anyone who supports an elderly relative, acts under a power of attorney, is involved in administering an estate, or works within the care sector to remain vigilant for signs of financial abuse. Most Abuse of Position reports made to the police come from family members of elderly or vulnerable people who rely on others for care and support with managing their finances. We are encouraging organisations and members of the public to share the following guidance with patients, service users, and their family members: Review financial statements: check financial statements regularly for any unauthorised transactions. If anything appears suspicious, contact the bank as soon as possible. Watch for warning signs: be alert to unpaid bills, missing possessions, or unexpected changes to a will or bank account, as these may be indicators of financial abuse. What to do if you are a victim of fraud by abuse of position: Tell your bank or card provider: if you notice any financial transactions made without lawful authority, notify your bank or card provider as soon as possible. Act quickly if something feels wrong: you can raise a safeguarding concern with your local authority’s adult social care team. If a solicitor or deputy may be misusing their role, you can report your concerns to the Office of the Public Guardian. How to report it: Report it to Report Fraud online or call 0300 123 2040. For more advice and to raise any concerns, contact the Office of the Public Guardian. Any suspicious activity should be reported to Report Fraud as soon as possible at www.reportfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, victims of fraud and cybercrime should report to Police Scotland on 101. Message Sent By: Report Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National) September 5, 2026 Neighbourhood Policing Team Weekly Update Hello everyone It's been a busy week for your local neighbourhood policing teams. Here's a quick look at some of the work we've been doing to keep our community safe and connected 4 x Arrests 4 x Reports of antisocial behaviour 1 x Community engagements 8 x Address checks and reassurance visits 2 x Hours of patrol on foot/mobile in problem area 3 x Community Protection Warnings 3 members of the Boscombe neighbourhood policing team attended a public medical incident, whereby CPR was conducted at the scene. 1 male was arrested for drink driving Fraud awareness visit conducted 1 x Parish council meeting attended We hope you have a safe and enjoyable week. Message Sent By: 5343 Samantha Murray (Dorset Police, Police Community Support Officer, Bournemouth East & Christchurch) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Your NPT newsletter Dear residents As part of our commitment to keeping you informed, we’re pleased to share the latest edition of  the NPT Newsletter covering Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole. In this newsletter, you’ll find updates on the proactive efforts of our dedicated officers and insights into what our local police teams have been doing to ensure safety and security in our community. To access the newsletter, please  click here Please note the link will open a digital newsletter using Microsoft Sway. You will not need to sign up or create a Microsoft account to access. Thank you for your continued support, and remember that we’re here for you. If you have any concerns or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local police team. Stay safe! Message Sent By: Dorset Neighbourhood Engagement Team --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Road safety: Keeping Dorset moving safely Over the summer, Dorset has been a busy place with visitors and residents wanting to enjoy our beautiful coastline and countryside. With every trip out, road traffic increases and this week, I would like to update you on some of the work that happened over the summer to make Dorsets roads safer. The reality is that the vast majority of serious collisions are preventable. Every person killed or seriously injured on our roads is someone's parent, child, partner, friend or colleague. Behind every statistic is a family whose lives have been turned upside down in an instant. I have heard first-hand from victims just how life-changing a road traffic collision can be, and my thoughts are always with those who have lost loved ones or continue to live with the devastating consequences of a collision. As Police and Crime Commissioner, I have consistently supported a robust approach to tackling those who put others at risk. Dorset is a largely rural county with a unique road network that brings its own challenges, from fast rural roads to seasonal tourism pressures. I work closely with Dorset Police, local councils and our wider road safety partners through the Dorset Strategic Road Safety Partnership to reduce harm and improve behaviour on our roads. The small minority of drivers who choose to speed, drive under the influence of drink or drugs, or ignore the rules of the road create unnecessary danger for everyone else. They should expect to be stopped and dealt with by Dorset Police. The force runs a number of specific road policing operations, including Op Tramline, which targets HGV drivers using mobile phones; Op Close Pass, which targets unsafe manoeuvres by motorists passing cyclists or horse riders; and Op Snap, which allows members of the public to submit dashcam footage of unsafe driving, among others. In July, officers carried out an iteration of Op Close Pass focusing on drivers passing horse riders, with the help of the Rural Mounted Volunteers. In a short period, seven motorists were stopped and given roadside education on how to safely pass a horse. In addition, one driver was handed six points and a £300 fine for driving without insurance. Police operations like this are just one way the force is working to keep Dorset's roads safe. In Dorset, we also have more than 1,300 Community Speed Watch volunteers working to tackle speeding across the county by monitoring vehicle speeds in their local communities. These volunteers give up their own time to help deter speeding and make their communities safer. The team in Dorset operates a three-letter system, which sees drivers sent a letter if they are recorded travelling above the speeding threshold. The first letter is a simple acknowledgement, letting the driver know they have been seen speeding. The second is a more strongly worded warning, while the third is hand-delivered by a uniformed officer. This gives police the opportunity to speak to the speeding motorist in person and provide advice about the dangers of speeding. Both Dorset Police and our Community Speed Watch volunteers are working hard to tackle those driving dangerously on Dorset's roads, but enforcement alone isn't enough. To truly make Dorset's roads safer for everyone who uses them, we need effective education that encourages behaviour change and helps prevent offences from happening in the first place. My office has worked with the charity DocBike to support the NextGen Riders Course, a two-day programme aimed at riders aged 16-35 that focuses on improving rider skills, maintenance knowledge and hazard awareness. I have also sponsored the provision of first aid kits for attendees of Biker Down courses, equipping members of the public with the tools, skills and confidence to provide immediate, potentially life-saving assistance at the scene of a collision until emergency services arrive. Keeping Dorset safe isn't just the responsibility of the police, it's something we all play a part in. By making sensible decisions, we can help ensure everyone gets home safely. David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Message Sent By: Hollie Carr (PCC, Communications and Engagement Officer, Dorset) August 29, 2026 Six episodes, six fascinating conversations Over the past six weeks, Neighbourhood Watch has released six episodes of our new podcast, hosted by former police officer and award-winning comedian Alfie Moore. Through remarkable personal stories, guests explore everything from burglary and street crime to cyber fraud, romance scams and coercive control, with practical advice to help keep people safe. With more than 11,186 downloads, a review in The Sunday Times, and a place in the top 2% of podcasts globally during launch week, the podcast has received a fantastic response. We're incredibly grateful to everyone who has listened, shared an episode or taken the time to send us feedback. Catch up with the whole series The series brings together an impressive line-up of broadcasters, journalists, authors and campaigners to talk about crime, community and the experiences that shape our lives. Penny Smith discusses the impact of being burgled twice and how those experiences affected her. Andy Bush shares the story of how his parents became victims of a sophisticated scam that cost them their savings. Ruth Dodsworth OBE speaks candidly about surviving coercive control and the importance of recognising abusive behaviour. Kaf Okpattah takes listeners inside the world of cybercrime and modern fraud. Bobby Seagull MBE reflects on community life in London and his experiences of street crime and attempted phone theft. Becky Holmes, author of Keanu Reeves Is Not in Love With You, explains how she became known for exposing online romance fraudsters. Whether you're interested in understanding the latest scams, hearing inspiring stories of resilience, or gaining a fresh perspective on the challenges facing communities today, there's an episode for you. Thought-provoking, insightful and often surprising, these conversations stay with you long after you've finished listening. Join thousands of listeners All the episodes are available now on Acast, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible and Pocket Casts. You can start with the topic that interests you most, or binge all six! Find out more and listen here. If you are deaf or have hearing loss, Apple podcasts provide a transcript on the platform, we've also produced transcripts for each episode which are available on the show webpages. Message Sent By: Charmian Walker-Smith (Neighbourhood Watch Network, Head of Comms & Digital, England & Wales) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Neighbourhood Policing Team Weekly Update Boscombe & Christchurch Neighbourhood Policing Team Officers from the Boscombe & Christchurch Neighbourhood Policing Team have had a busy week. Here's a quick look at some of the work we've been doing to keep our community safe and connected 4 x Arrests 3 x Stop Searches for drugs 5 x Reports of antisocial behaviour 1 x Community Resolutions issued 5 x Address checks and reassurance visits 3 Hours of patrol on foot/mobile in problem area 3 x Safeguarding visits for victims of fraud 1 x Seized knife In addition, some of our officers also took part in a facial recognition pilot that was set up near to Bournemouth Pier. This was filmed Meridian & shown on the local evening news. We hope you have a safe and enjoyable week. Message Sent By: 5343 Samantha Murray (Dorset Police, Police Community Support Officer, Bournemouth East & Christchurch) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Policing Reform and Rural Crime in the Spotlight at Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show Last week, my team and I had a fantastic time at the Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show, speaking with residents about the Government's proposed changes to policing in England and Wales. Plans include a review into reducing the number of police forces in England and Wales, alongside proposals for a new National Police Service bringing together a number of specialist policing functions currently delivered through various national and regional arrangements. While the independent review is not currently seeking direct public feedback, I believe Dorset residents deserve the opportunity to have their voices heard. My concerns are simple: if funding is diverted from frontline policing to create new national structures, communities could see less investment in the services they rely on and fewer resources for initiatives that directly tackle crime. There is no clear evidence that larger police forces deliver better outcomes, nor a published business case demonstrating that the significant costs of a National Police Service would benefit the public. I am concerned that reforms could weaken local accountability, reduce Dorset's influence over policing priorities and overlook local issues such as shoplifting, anti-social behaviour, drug dealing and rural crime. Fairer funding for local policing would do more for Dorset than structural change alone, and important questions remain about how these reforms would fit with wider local government reorganisation and future governance arrangements. Although the final proposals remain unclear, it is vital that Dorset has a say in any changes that could affect local policing. We received a great deal of valuable feedback from residents at the show, and I am grateful to everyone who stopped to speak with us. Beyond the consultation, the show itself was a real highlight. With livestock displays, bustling stalls and a brilliant community atmosphere, there was plenty to enjoy, even if the weather gave us a couple of surprise downpours. One of my highlights was speaking at the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) conference during the morning of the show, where I highlighted rural crime which remains a key priority. Since 2022, Dorset Police's Rural Crime Team has done some fantastic work, including recovering more than £2.8 million of stolen agricultural equipment, disrupting organised crime groups and preventing a large-scale hare coursing event. Our rural communities are at the heart of Dorset's identity and economy. It is vital that those who live and work in these areas feel safe and supported, and until they do, our work is not done. Whilst at the show, younger visitors also got involved at our keyring-colouring station, where the police dog designs proved especially popular. I'm told the standout names included police dogs "Boris" and "Doris." My team was also on hand to answer any questions, discuss the proposals, and help residents share their views on what the changes could mean for policing in Dorset. We'll be back at the Dorset County Show on 5 and 6 September and would love to hear from even more residents. The public survey is now open and can be completed online here. FAQs on police reform can be read here. David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Message Sent By: Susan Bloss (Dorset OPCC, Head of Communications & Engagement, Dorset) August 15, 2026 Neighbourhood Policing Team Weekly Update Hello, officers from the Boscombe & Christchurch Neighbourhood Policing Team would like to share an update with all their residents about what has been achieved this week in your areas. Here's a quick look at some of the work we've been doing to keep our community safe and connected PCSO Sam has provided two mobile police station events in Christchurch & Highcliffe this week, offering advise and guidance to local residents. Residents may have seen a report in the local press on Thursday of an incident of rape reported in the area of Woodland Walk, as such the local neighbourhood team provided hi-visibility patrols in the area to address any concerns from the local residents. A joint multi-agency visit with the Fire Brigade was conducted at the home of a vulnerable female, and as a result further agencies are now able to assist her further. Financial safeguarding was provided to a male as a result of an investment fraud. Our officers have also been extremely busy facilitating the closure of THREE local addresses that have been linked to ASB & drugs. The impact that these properties were having on the local community was phenomenal, and this is not something that will be accepted by Dorset Police. Joint partnership working with BCP council and the ASB team meant that closures were conducted on all three properties. Intelligence logs submitted, which help officers build a wider picture on emerging issues. Officers have also been very busy safeguarding our beaches and town during the summer with increased demand in the area, working very long shifts in extremely hot conditions. A community resolution issued for possession of cannabis We hope you have a safe and enjoyable week. Message Sent By: 5343 Samantha Murray (Dorset Police, Police Community Support Officer, Bournemouth East & Christchurch) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The importance of police reform Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick has launched a public survey to give Dorset residents the opportunity to have their say on the future of policing, following the Government's announcement of major policing reforms and a review of police force structures across England and Wales. The survey will gather views from residents, businesses, community organisations and local stakeholders to help ensure Dorset's voice is heard as national discussions about the future shape of policing continue. David Sidwick said: "There is clearly significant change on the horizon for policing. While many of the details remain unknown and no decisions have been made about Dorset's future, I believe it is essential that the people of Dorset have the opportunity to express their views now. The independent review is not currently seeking direct feedback from the public, so I want to ensure that Dorset residents have a platform to make their voices heard.” The Government's plans include a review into reducing the number of police forces in England and Wales, alongside proposals for a new National Police Service that would bring together a number of specialist policing functions currently delivered through different national and regional arrangements. Mr Sidwick continued: “I recognise the case for modernisation but any reforms must deliver clear benefits for communities. Policing must continue to evolve. Criminality is changing, technology is changing and public expectations are changing. It is right that we consider how policing is organised to meet future challenges. However, change should always be for the better. Reform should not be measured by the size of organisations created, but by whether it improves outcomes for the public, strengthens local policing and keeps people safe." The Commissioner has raised concerns about whether the costs and benefits of some of the proposed reforms have been fully demonstrated. "The creation of a centralised National Police Service is likely to cost millions of pounds, yet there is currently no published business case setting out the full financial implications. My concern is simple. If funding is diverted away from frontline services in Dorset to establish new national structures, local communities could end up receiving less rather than more. Equally, if national reform becomes the priority while resources are removed from projects that directly tackle crime, then we need to ask whether that is the right approach." Mr Sidwick pointed to a number of initiatives which play an important role in tackling serious and organised crime, including Regional Organised Crime Units (ROCUs), wastewater analysis programmes, the British Transport Police County Lines Task Force and Drug Testing on Arrest schemes. "While discussions take place about major structural reform, we must not lose sight of the practical tools and initiatives that help law enforcement identify offenders, disrupt organised crime and protect the public. Reform should enhance those capabilities, not come at their expense." The Commissioner also warned against assuming that larger policing organisations automatically deliver better local policing. "There is a risk that structural reform is driven by a belief that bigger is always better. Dorset's communities will want reassurance that local concerns will remain local priorities. Crime issues such as shoplifting, anti-social behaviour, drug dealing and rural crime have a significant impact on residents across Dorset. Any future policing model must continue to focus on these issues and not become disproportionately focused on the challenges facing larger urban areas elsewhere." Mr Sidwick believes that Dorset's long-term interests would be best served through fairer funding arrangements that recognise the county's unique policing demands. "For Dorset, the conversation should not simply be about whether policing is managed from a larger regional headquarters or whether Dorset becomes part of a bigger force area. There is a strong argument that fairer funding for local policing would deliver greater benefits for Dorset residents than structural reform alone." The Commissioner has also highlighted concerns about the relationship between policing reform and wider changes to local government. "At the same time these discussions are taking place, Local Government Reorganisation is creating new strategic authorities across the country. There appears to be limited alignment between the timetable for local government reforms and the timetable being discussed for police restructuring. There are also wider questions about governance, accountability and how future policing structures would interact with emerging mayoral authorities. These are important issues that deserve careful consideration before any decisions are made." Mr Sidwick said the survey will help ensure Dorset's views are clearly represented in future discussions. "One thing I am absolutely clear about is that Dorset's voice must be heard. Strong local accountability has served Dorset well and local people deserve the opportunity to influence decisions that could affect the future of their police service for decades to come. “There is no evidence to indicate that larger police forces perform better than smaller ones. This policy appears to be aimed at reducing local accountability and democratic scrutiny, and I am concerned it will result in the erosion of local policing, lower crime detection rates, and a poorer service for the public.” “I would encourage everyone to take part in the survey and tell us what matters to them. Whatever reforms emerge nationally, they should reflect the priorities and expectations of the communities they are there to serve." The public survey is now open and can be completed online here. FAQs on police reform can be read here. David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Message Sent By: Georgia Symes (OPCC, Communication and Engagement Officer, Dorset) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Constant Vigilance - how we are tackling Violence Against Woman and Girls (VAWG) Last week I went out on Project Vigilant in Weymouth to observe the work that Dorset Police are doing to tackle violence against women and girls (VAWG). Project Vigilant is a proactive operation that uses both uniformed and plain-clothed officers to identify and respond to suspicious or predatory behaviour. Plain-clothed officers spot the early warning signs, while uniformed colleagues intervene where necessary, using a range of measures from advice and dispersal orders to arrest. A key feature of this deployment was the addition of two specialist drugs dogs from Thames Valley Police, funded by my office. It was really important that I was able to help in this way and also watch the work of these incredible animals in-person. We even saw a positive reaction from Puma, the spaniel which had joined us. He alerted his handler to a gentleman on Weymouth Esplanade. This is when our officers stepped in and performed a search of the individual and located cannabis. The drugs’ dogs at Thames Valley Police are believed to be the only ones of their kind in the world. They are trained to detect and alert to date rape drugs, chemsex drugs and class A drugs. The ability to detect these drugs plays a crucial role in preventing spiking incidents and protecting the public. I am delighted to say that Rachel from the Pineapple Project also joined the patrol as an observer. The Pineapple Project which was founded in Weymouth works to safeguard the young women living in the Dorset Council catchment area when they are outside of their family homes and in the community. The OPCC has previously funded The Pineapple Project and is extremely supportive of the work that it does. Rachel explained that this was the second Project Vigilant that she had observed and the reason that she wanted to head out on patrol with the police was to see how the work they were carrying out could help influence The Pineapple Project. She said that one of the recurring concerns that she hears from the young women that the project supports is ‘what’s the point in reporting it to the police# We don’t see anything happen.’ By joining the patrol, she was able to see the proactive work officers carry out to identify and address predatory behaviour before offences occur. She hopes to share this experience with the young women she works with, highlighting the importance of reporting incidents and demonstrating that tackling VAWG remains a key policing priority. I want to take this moment to thank Rachel and the team at The Pineapple Project for the amazing work they do to support young women across Dorset. I also want to outline the clear commitment that I and Dorset Police have to tackling VAWG. While Dorset is the fourth safest county in the country, I recognise it is not always safe for them, they can experience violence and discrimination, and this can have a devastating impact on lives. It is imperative that all women and girls in Dorset are not only safe but feel safe. That is why my team and the force carry out vital work every day to ensure victims are supported and that we continue to improve our response to VAWG. My team plays a vital role in supporting victims and driving improvements across Dorset. We commission a range of specialist services, including the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) and Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVAs) through STARS Dorset (Sexual Trauma and Recovery Service), ensuring victims can access the specialist support they need. We also work closely with partners to address VAWG though the VAWG Improvement Panel. The panel scrutinises and drives improvements in how violence against women and girls is identified, prevented and responded to across Dorset. A full list of our commissioned services and projects is available here: Dorset PCC – Commissioned Projects David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Message Sent By: Susan Bloss (Dorset OPCC, Head of Communications & Engagement, Dorset) August 10, 2026 Broadband and Mobile Provider Account Takeover and Identity Fraud Alert A member of our community has reported a concerning scam that may affect customers of any broadband or mobile phone provider. What Happened The victim discovered their broadband service had stopped working and contacted their provider's customer services. During the call, they were informed that: A new mobile phone and accessories had been ordered on their account. A credit check had been completed in their name. Nobody in the household had placed the order. Fortunately, the order was cancelled before the items were dispatched. However, while reviewing their bank account, the victim also discovered that: A new Direct Debit had been set up for mobile services they had never requested. They had never had a mobile contract with that provider. The provider advised that similar incidents are becoming increasingly common. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- * How Criminals May Be Operating Fraudsters may be: Taking over existing customer accounts using stolen login details. Accessing personal information obtained through phishing emails, scam calls or data breaches. Using compromised email accounts to reset passwords and intercept security messages. Using stolen personal details to pass security checks and order devices on credit. Their aim is often to obtain expensive phones, tablets, smart watches or accessories and then sell them on for profit while leaving the victim to deal with the consequences. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- * Warning Signs Be alert if you notice: Unrecognised credit searches on your credit report. Emails or texts about orders you have not placed. New Direct Debits appearing on your bank account. Password reset notifications you did not request. Mobile devices, SIM cards or accessories arriving unexpectedly. Loss of access to your online account. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- What to Do If You're Affected Contact your provider immediately and report the suspected fraud. Contact your bank on 159 and cancel any unauthorised Direct Debits. Change passwords for: Your provider account Email account Banking apps Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) where available. Check your credit file for unauthorised applications or searches. Report the incident to Report Fraud. Consider CIFAS Protective Registration if your personal information may have been compromised. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * STOP! THINK FRAUD If you receive an unexpected call claiming to be from your broadband or mobile provider: Never share passwords or one-time security codes. Never provide banking details unless you initiated the contact. Be cautious of offers for discounts, upgrades or free devices. Hang up and contact your provider using a trusted number from their official website or your bill. If something doesn't feel right, trust your instincts and verify independently. Get 24/7 fraud protect advice about any type of fraud call Ask Damian on 01202 144688 Please share this alert with family, friends and vulnerable relatives to help prevent others becoming victims of this type of fraud. If you have been a victim of fraud, contact reportfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040. Message Sent By: Damian Cranny (Dorset Police, Fraud Protect Officer, Dorset ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Appeal for information following criminal damage in Christchurch Officers investigating an incident of criminal damage in Christchurch are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward. At around 12.20am on Sunday 2 August 2026, an officer on patrol came across damage to a dinosaur exhibit that was on display outside the Regent Centre. Police Constable Julian Cadwallader of Bournemouth police said: “We are carrying out enquiries into this incident, including reviewing CCTV and I am keen to hear from anyone who may have information about what happened. “In particular I would like to hear from two women who were seen in the area at that time and may be able to assist with our enquiries.” Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police online or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55260118572. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online using its website or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111. Message Sent By: Corporate Communications --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Do you know how to spot and report suspicious behaviour around the UK coastline or at sea Coastal crime is any crime that has an impact on, or happens around, our coasts and borders, including smaller ports, docks and marinas. These crimes can include theft, smuggling and criminal damage. As Harbour Watch members, we wanted to make you aware of Project Kraken. This is a national joint law enforcement operation tackling maritime border crime, raising vigilance and awareness of suspicious behaviour which may be linked to terrorism or other serious crime. The types of behaviour you should look out for can include: nervous crew who show a lack of knowledge of maritime protocols boats showing signs of unusual modification or minor damage people making a large cash payment for maritime equipment people who own a boat yet display limited maritime knowledge, wear inappropriate clothing, and come and go at unusual hours suspicious packages floating at sea boats carrying excessive fuel containers people chartering or hiring boats making unusual requests boats meeting at sea and acting suspiciously someone trying to gain access to restricted areas You can find more information and updates from Project Kraken in the attached documents. To report suspicious or unusual behaviour on the coastline or at sea: Make a report online or call UK Border Watch, powered by Crimestoppers, on 0800 011 3304. You do not have to give your name when making a report. In an emergency, always call 999. Thank you for being members of Harbour Watch and helping to keep all parts of our county safe. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Attachments Project Kraken - Warning signs.pdf Project Kraken newsletter.pdf Always call 999 if there is a danger to life or crime in progress. Message Sent By: Corporate Communications --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Making the Right Call: Helping Keep Emergency Lines Free When Every Second Counts Summer is one of Dorset's busiest times of year. Our roads are busier, our beaches and town centres are packed with residents and visitors, and our emergency services are working harder than ever to keep people safe. When someone dials 999, they need to know help will be there without delay. That's why Dorset Police has launched the 'Making the Right Call' campaign – reminding everyone that choosing the right way to contact the police helps ensure emergency lines remain available for those whose lives or safety are at immediate risk. Every day, our call handlers deal with thousands of calls from people who need help. Many are genuine emergencies requiring an immediate police response, but a significant number are enquiries that could be dealt with through other channels. While every call is important, using the most appropriate route means officers and staff can respond more quickly to those facing the greatest danger. So far this summer, calls to Dorset Police's contact centres have increased by a third, and approximately 20 per cent of all calls received by the Force weren't police matters and should have been directed to other agencies. A 999 call should always be made if there is an immediate threat to life, serious injury, a crime happening at that moment and a preparator is still on scene, or if someone is in immediate danger. If the situation is not an emergency, reporting online, call 101 or contacting other appropriate organisations can often be the quickest and most appropriate option. For example, issues such as noise nuisance, fly-tipping, parking issues on council-managed roads and some environmental concerns should be reported to the local authority, not Dorset Police. The Force also often receives calls incorrectly made to 999 for issues that should be raised with utility providers, such as power cuts, water supply problems and gas emergencies; NHS services for medical advice and treatment; or public transport issues, such as trains or buses being delayed. However, this campaign isn't just about reporting to the right service; it's about choosing the right way to report. Dorset Police has made it easier than ever to report non-emergency incidents online, whether that's reporting a crime, providing information, or finding advice and support. Many issues can also be resolved without waiting on the phone, allowing our contact centre staff to focus on those who need urgent assistance. If you have been the victim of a crime that is not an emergency and poses no immediate danger to you, you can report it on the Dorset Police website through the 'Report a Crime' button. More likely - if you suspect a crime has taken place, have witnessed something suspicious, or have information about a crime but were not directly the victim, you can use the 'Report your intelligence' button located further down the Dorset Police website homepage. I understand that online reporting isn't always accessible for everyone, which is why the Force has introduced Community Contact Points across Dorset, as well as Mobile Police Stations. If you need to report a crime or tell the Force about something you've witnessed, you can attend a Mobile Police Station or ask an officer at a Community Contact Point to assist you. You can find out when the next Community Contact Point is taking place near you by entering your postcode into the search box under the 'What's happening in your area' section of the Dorset Police website homepage and then clicking on your local team's Events tab. The 101 non-emergency telephone number also remains an option for reporting non-emergency matters to the police. I want to make it clear: this isn't about discouraging people from contacting the police. It's about making sure you use the right service at the right time so that someone experiencing an emergency doesn't face unnecessary delays because Force operators are tied up with non-urgent enquiries. As Police and Crime Commissioner, I know how vital our contact centre staff are. They are often the first reassuring voice someone hears during the worst moments of their lives, calmly gathering information, providing advice and dispatching officers when every second matters. They do an outstanding job under immense pressure, and we all have a role to play in helping them do that job as effectively as possible. This summer, as Dorset welcomes thousands of visitors alongside our local communities, I would encourage everyone to take a moment to think before making that call. If it's an emergency and there is an immediate danger, always dial 999 immediately. If not, use Dorset Police's online reporting services, call 101 or visit a Mobile Police Station or Community Contact Point instead. By making the right call, you could help ensure that when someone desperately needs an emergency response, help gets to them as quickly as possible. It is a small decision that can make a very big difference. David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Message Sent By: Georgia Felton (OPCC, Communication and Engagement Officer, Dorset) August 1, 2026 Beware of Scams Exploiting Hosepipe Bans and the Hot Weather Fraudsters are once again taking advantage of current events to target the public, with reports of criminals using recent hosepipe bans and the ongoing hot weather as hooks for new scams. Fake Water Company Messages Residents are being warned to look out for text messages, emails and phone calls claiming to be from water companies. These communications may invite you to: Check whether your area is affected by a hosepipe ban Apply for a free water-saving device or kit Update account or payment details Claim a refund or discount on your water bill These messages can appear genuine, often using realistic branding and links to convincing websites. However, the aim is to steal personal information, banking details or account credentials. Protect yourself: * Contact your water supplier using details from their official website or a recent bill. * Be cautious of unexpected messages containing links or requests for personal information. * Never provide bank details unless you are certain who you are dealing with. * Forward suspicious text messages to 7726 to help mobile networks identify and block scam messages. "Hi Mum" Scams Get a Summer Makeover Criminals are also adapting the well-known "Hi Mum" or "Hi Dad" scam by using the hot weather to make their story seem more believable. Victims receive a message claiming to be from their son or daughter using a new phone number because their old phone is broken, lost, overheating or causing problems due to the heat. The conversation often starts innocently before moving on to an urgent request for money or financial assistance. Remember: A request for money from a new number should always be treated with caution. Contact your family member directly using a number you already know and trust. Never send money based solely on a text message or messaging app conversation. TOP TIP: Set up a secret password juts between friends and family that is unique and not posted anywhere. Watch Out for Too-Good-To-Be-True Cooling Products The recent warm weather has also led to an increase in advertisements for portable air-cooling and air-conditioning products. Some criminals use fake reviews, misleading claims and manipulated images to encourage quick purchases. Before buying: * Research the seller independently. * Read reviews from trusted sources. * Be wary of deals that seem unusually cheap or promise unrealistic results. * Pay by credit card where possible for added protection. Stay Alert Fraudsters are constantly changing their tactics and will often exploit current events, weather conditions and news stories to make scams appear genuine. Call Ask Damian the new 24/7 fraud protect advice service on 01202 144688 for questions about any type of fraud. If you have been a victim of fraud, contact reportfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040. Message Sent By: Damian Cranny (Dorset Police, Fraud Protect Officer, Dorset ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Force launches campaign to help keep emergency lines available for those who need them the most Dorset Police is reminding the public how to access the right support at the right time as part of its new Making the Right Call campaign. So far this summer calls to our contact centres have increased by a third and approximately 20 per cent of all calls received by the Force weren’t a police matter and should have been made to other agencies to deal with. The Making the Right Call campaign highlights situations where another organisation may be better placed to help, including local authorities for issues such as noise nuisance, fly-tipping, parking issues on council-managed roads and some environmental concerns. Other calls that are incorrectly made to us include issues for utility providers such as power cuts, water supply problems and gas emergencies, NHS services for medical advice and treatment, and public transport issues, such as trains or buses being delayed. Superintendent Stuart Pitman, of the Force Command Centre, said: “We want to reassure our communities that we are here when they need us, particularly in emergencies and situations where a crime is in progress or people are at risk of harm. “However, we know that it can sometimes be difficult for people to determine which organisation is best placed to help with a particular issue. Our Making the Right Call campaign is designed to provide clear guidance and help people access the right service first time. “Every day, our contact handlers receive a wide range of calls and reports, many of which are not a policing matter and could be dealt with more effectively by another agency or through alternative reporting methods. “By calling the appropriate agency first time, members of the public can often get the support they need quicker while helping to keep our emergency lines available for genuine emergencies. Help us to help you by making the right call.” You can report crime, information and intelligence online by visiting our website: Contact us | Dorset Police. All reports made online are picked up by the same 101 team working in our contact centres. Alternatively, if you do not have access to the internet or wish to speak in person with someone, you can call our 101 team for non-emergency enquiries. You can also visit our enquiry offices in person at Bournemouth, Weymouth and Blandford – for opening times, please visit: Find a police station | Dorset Police. Always call 999 if there is a danger to life or crime in progress. Message Sent By: Corporate Communications --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Good Safe Summer: The Difference Hotspot Patrols Make As we move further into the summer and closer to Dorset's busiest period of the tourist season, with thousands of visitors expected to enjoy day trips, holidays and staycations across our beautiful county, you may have seen Dorset Police talking about having a Good Safe Summer. As you may know, Good Safe Summer is the Force's summer policing campaign. You can read more about the campaign and what it involves in one of my previous newsletters here. As part of the campaign, you might see Dorset Police talking about hotspot patrols across the county. But what exactly does that mean* Policing often uses terminology that can be unclear or mean something different to the public. As the voice of the public in policing, I believe it is important that we make this language accessible and transparent, so that people understand not only what these initiatives involve, but also the difference they are making in our communities. With that in mind, I'm delighted to invite Inspector Sophie Williams, who has been leading Dorset's hotspot patrol initiative, to explain more about the work taking place. Inspector Williams shares what hotspot patrols involve, why they are being used, and the impact they are having on reducing crime and keeping people safe this summer. I am Inspector Sophie Williams and served as the operational delivery lead for Dorset Police's Hotspot Action Fund, overseeing the Force's implementation of the national hotspot policing programme in Dorset. I now serve as Dorset's tactical adviser on hotspot policing. Alongside my operational experience, I hold a postgraduate certificate in evidence-based practice, specialising in the use of academic research to strengthen policing delivery around problem-oriented policing (POP). Hotspot policing is an evidence-based approach focused on placing uniformed officers on patrol in locations that have been identified through data analysis as locations where crime and anti-social behaviour are most concentrated. This ensures patrols are not based on assumption or tradition, but on objective evidence of harm. That is why reporting incidents of concern is so crucial to policing. The public can literally drive our targeting of an area by reporting crime to us. Hotspot locations can change, and the Force regularly reviews where the need for patrols is by using our civilian data analysts to examine a combination of public contact data, crime data, intelligence reports, repeat incident patterns and seasonal trends. Hotspot patrols differ from standard neighbourhood policing. While neighbourhood policing focuses on long-term problem solving, engagement and partnership working, hotspot patrols are highly targeted, time-specific and data-driven, with a focus on crime prevention. Neighbourhood teams may spend extended periods in communities; hotspot patrols are deliberately short, sharp and frequent, designed to disrupt crime patterns rather than provide general coverage. Hotspot patrols were originally introduced through the Government's Hotspot Action Fund in 2024, with the fund ending in March 2026. However, the Force is still utilising this intelligence-led and data-driven way of working, with hotspot patrols taking place as part of Operation Nightjar and Operation Nighthawk to target public place violence and anti-social behaviour in the night-time economy. Hotspot patrols are also playing a vital role in the Force's Good Safe Summer campaign, tackling violence, anti-social behaviour and helping manage increased summer demand in locations like Bournemouth beach and pier, Weymouth town centre and seafront, and other locations popular with tourists. Since hotspot patrols were introduced, we have seen significant reductions in crime and anti-social behaviour in hotspot areas, improved visibility and public reassurance, and strengthened partnership working across councils, policing teams and external agencies. In several areas, crime fell within days of patrols being introduced, demonstrating the effectiveness of targeted visibility. In summer 2025, public place violence was halved following the introduction of Operation Nighthawk in Weymouth town centre. As Dorset's tactical adviser on hotspot policing, I remain committed to ensuring this approach continues to evolve and support frontline officers in delivering the best possible service. I encourage the public to search for hotspot policing on the College of Policing's website and to also have a look at the work being undertaken by Professor Spencer Chainey. As Dorset enters the busiest month of the summer, my message is simple: we are here, we are visible, and we are focused on keeping you safe so that everyone can enjoy a Good Safe Summer. Hotspot patrols work and are one of the ways we ensure Dorset remains a welcoming, vibrant and safe place for residents and visitors alike. If you see a crime take place or have concerns, report them to us. While police understandably cannot attend every call for service, the information always goes somewhere, and our data analysts use this information to build the evidence base used to identify hotspot locations. I'd like to thank Inspector Williams for taking the time to explain how hotspot patrols are helping Dorset Police tackle anti-social behaviour and violent crime across our county. Repeatedly, residents tell me they want to see more police officers out in their communities. That is exactly what hotspot patrols deliver – visible policing in the places where it is needed most. By targeting areas identified through data and intelligence as being at greater risk of anti-social behaviour and violent crime, officers can prevent offences before they happen, reassure local communities and take action against those who seek to cause harm. This is exactly the kind of proactive policing Dorset residents want to see more of – preventing crime, protecting our communities and making Dorset an even safer place to live, work and visit. We all have a part to play in keeping Dorset safe, so if you see something that doesn't look right, please report it. Together, we can continue to send a clear message that crime and anti-social behaviour have no place in Dorset. David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Message Sent By: Georgia Felton (OPCC, Communication and Engagement Officer, Dorset) July 25, 2026 Increase in Rogue Trader Activity Across Dorset We have seen an increase in reports of rogue traders operating across Dorset. These criminals often target homeowners, particularly older and vulnerable residents, and use high-pressure sales tactics to persuade people to agree to unnecessary or poor-quality work. Common Rogue Trader Tactics Be wary of anyone who cold calls at your door offering home repairs or maintenance. Legitimate traders do not usually obtain work by knocking on doors uninvited. Common tactics include: Claiming they have noticed damage to your roof, guttering, driveway, or property. Showing you photographs of supposed damage which may be fake or unrelated to your home. Saying they have been working locally and have "materials left over", allowing them to do the work at a discounted price. Pressuring you to make an immediate decision. Asking for cash payments or large upfront deposits. Offering to drive you to your bank to withdraw money. How to Protect Yourself * Never agree to work from a cold caller. * Always obtain at least three quotes before committing to any work. * Use tradespeople recommended by friends, family, or recognised approved trader schemes. * Ask for a written quotation before any work begins. * Never pay cash if it can be avoided. * Never agree to make an immediate payment or sign a contract on the spot. * Speak to a trusted friend or family member before making any decisions. * Do not rely solely on an ID card shown to you. Verify the trader independently by contacting their company using a telephone number from their official website or other trusted source. * Remember that a genuine business will not pressure you into making an immediate financial decision. Have You Been a Victim* If you have made a payment to a rogue trader: Contact your bank immediately on 159. They may be able to help prevent further losses. Check your bank statements regularly for any unusual transactions. Report the incident to the relevant authorities. Beware of Recovery Scams Fraudsters sometimes contact previous victims claiming they can help recover lost money for a fee. This is a second scam. * Never pay anyone who claims they can recover your money. * Hang up on unexpected callers making such claims. Please Share This Message Look out for friends, family members, and neighbours, especially those who may be vulnerable. Sharing this advice could help prevent someone from becoming a victim. Remember: Stop! Think Fraud. Don't let them in and don't agree to any work on the doorstep. Message Sent By: Damian Cranny (Dorset Police, Fraud Protect Officer, Dorset July 18, 2026 Live Facial Recognition survey: Dorset residents have their say Last week Dorset Police have put out a video about the use of Live Facial Recognition in Dorset. My office has been instrumental in providing Dorset Police with public feedback on the proposed use of LFR and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who took part in the survey and shared their thoughts and opinions. As your Police and Crime Commissioner, I believe it is vital that new policing technology is subject to public scrutiny and that local people have the opportunity to have their voices heard on such subjects. That's why, ahead of Dorset Police's planned introduction of LFR later this year, we conducted a four-week public consultation from 16 April to 14 May 2026. I am pleased that 1,068 Dorset residents took part in the survey, providing valuable feedback on this important issue. The results showed that 74% of respondents support the use of Live Facial Recognition, compared with 23% who oppose it, with only 4% remaining neutral. These findings broadly mirror national research commissioned by the Home Office, although views in Dorset were found to be more strongly held overall. The survey also revealed that awareness of LFR is much higher locally than nationally, with 78% of Dorset respondents already familiar with the technology. This demonstrates the importance of continuing to provide clear information about how LFR works, the safeguards in place, and how it can help identify wanted offenders and protect vulnerable people. The findings highlighted lower levels of support among younger people and residents from ethnic minority backgrounds. These views matter, and I have recommended that Dorset Police carry out further targeted engagement with these groups to better understand their concerns and ensure their perspectives are reflected in future decision-making. It is clear that the majority of respondents had strong overall support for LFR with an acknowledgement that this technology could prove useful when it comes to detecting crime, deterring offenders, locating wanted criminals, and protecting vulnerable people. I will continue to scrutinise Dorset Police as they introduce the use of this technology and ensure its use is transparent, proportionate and subject to robust oversight. I am grateful to everyone who took the time to contribute. Your feedback will help shape how Dorset Police introduce and uses this technology as we work together to keep Dorset one of the safest counties in the country. David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Message Sent By: Georgia Felton (OPCC, Communication and Engagement Officer, Dorset) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Helping young people to build resilience for a bright future One of the most important responsibilities I have as Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner is ensuring crime is tackled effectively and efficiently, but also, wherever possible, prevented from happening in the first place. That means investing in initiatives which give young people the support, confidence and opportunities they need to make positive choices, particularly those who may be vulnerable to exploitation or at risk of becoming involved in crime. Through my Office, I am proud to have funded two more diversion programmes which are helping young people across Dorset to build resilience, develop new skills and create brighter futures. The first is a non-contact boxing programme delivered by Arena Boxing Gym in Bournemouth for young adults aged 18 to 25. This 12-week programme provides far more than fitness sessions, it offers a structured, trauma-informed environment where participants can improve both their physical and mental wellbeing while building confidence, discipline and self-esteem. Young people are referred to the programme through organisations including Dorset Police, Youth Justice, Social Care, Probation, mental health services and local councils, ensuring support reaches those who will benefit most. Alongside learning boxing techniques, participants take part in mentoring, goal setting and group discussions designed to encourage healthy lifestyles, positive decision-making and stronger social connections. When I visited recently, I was pleased to see for myself the safe and supportive space where young adults can develop trusting relationships with experienced coaches and mentors who understand the challenges many of them face. By giving young people somewhere positive to focus their energy, we can help steer them away from the influences which will negatively affect their lives, as well as the lives of those around them, and the communities they live, while also helping them realise their potential. I am also supporting an innovative sailing and water sports programme in partnership with the Dorset Combined Youth Justice Service, the Sail Training Trust in Portland and the Andrew Simpson Foundation. Over the coming months, 18 young people will take part in activities including sailing, paddle sports, powerboating, navigation, first aid and boat maintenance, giving them the opportunity to develop practical skills while building confidence, resilience and teamwork. The programme has been designed to improve behaviour, strengthen physical and mental wellbeing and encourage positive relationships between participants. Just as importantly, it introduces young people to Dorset's outstanding maritime opportunities, opening doors to further education, volunteering and future employment pathways that many may never have considered. Prevention will always be one of the smartest investments we can make in policing. Every young person diverted away from crime is a life changed for the better, potentially meaning fewer victims of crime and stronger, safer communities for everyone. These programmes demonstrate how partnership working, early intervention and targeted support can help break cycles of offending and give young people the confidence to choose a different path. I am pleased to support projects like this, alongside the other important work my Office is investing in for the people of Dorset. These schemes, alongside robust enforcement and vital partnership work, will ensure Dorset stays one of the safest places in the country. David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Message Sent By: Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Beware of Phishing Emails, Pop-ups and Text Messages Fraudsters are increasingly targeting members of our community through fake emails, text messages, social media messages, and pop-up warnings. These scams are designed to trick people into sharing personal information, passwords, banking details, or downloading malicious software. Criminals often impersonate trusted organisations such as banks, delivery companies, government departments, healthcare providers, or technology companies. Their messages may create a sense of urgency, claiming your account has been suspended, a payment has failed, or your device has been infected with a virus. Example of a Fake Message From: Microsoft Security Alert Subject: Your account will be suspended today We have detected suspicious activity on your account. To avoid suspension, verify your details immediately by clicking the link below: Verify Now: www.account-security-check.com Failure to act within 24 hours will result in your account being permanently disabled. Warning Signs: Unexpected message or email. Urgent language designed to panic you. Requests for passwords, PINs, or personal information. Suspicious links or unfamiliar website addresses. Poor spelling, grammar, or unusual formatting. Use ASK SILVER Before You Click If you receive a suspicious email, text message, pop-up, or social media message, use the free app or online at ASK SILVER to help identify whether it may be fraudulent. How ASK SILVER Works: Copy the message text or take a screenshot. Submit the content to ASK SILVER. ASK SILVER analyses the wording, links, sender details, and common scam indicators. It highlights warning signs and explains why the message may be suspicious. Use the guidance provided to make an informed decision before responding, clicking links, or sharing information. Remember the STOP! THINK, Fraud * Stop and take a moment before acting. * Think about whether the message is genuine. * Check independently by contacting the organisation using a trusted phone number or website. * Use ASK SILVER for an additional assessment. * Report suspicious messages and delete them if confirmed as scams. If in doubt, don't click, don't reply, and don't share personal information. Taking a few extra moments to verify a message could prevent financial loss and identity theft. If you have been a victim of fraud, contact reportfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040. Message Sent By: Damian Cranny (Dorset Police, Fraud Protect Officer, Dorset ------------------------------------------------------------------------- How to use Ask Silver Due to the number of replies to my previous alert asking how to access Ask Silver the free scam checker, I have included the instructions below. Go to https://www.asksilver.com Scroll to the bottom of the page and choose “Use Ask Silver on WhatsApp Enter your details and follow the sign-up process. Open the WhatsApp link provided by Ask Silver to add it to your contacts. In WhatsApp, chat with Ask Silver just like any other contact. Send it: Screenshots of suspicious texts or emails Website links Photos of letters Phone numbers QR codes Ask Silver analyses what you send and returns a verdict in seconds, explaining any scam warning signs it detects. What it can do Check if a message, website, or phone number looks like a scam. Explain why something is suspicious in plain English. Help you report confirmed scams to the relevant authorities. Message Sent By: Damian Cranny (Dorset Police, Fraud Protect Officer, Dorset July 11, 2026 Good Safe Summer: How Dorset Police is tackling Burglary Since coming into office, I have heard time and time again the impact burglary has on individuals, families and communities. Burglary is far more than a property crime. For many victims, it is a deeply personal violation that can leave people feeling unsafe in the very place where they should feel most secure – their home. Whether it is the loss of treasured possessions, the emotional distress that follows, or the fear that can linger long afterwards, the effects can be significant and long-lasting. That is why tackling burglary and bringing offenders to justice remains a priority for both myself and Dorset Police. While Dorset remains one of the safest counties in the country, we are not complacent. Residents rightly expect swift action against those who target homes and communities, and they want to know that every effort is being made to prevent offences from happening in the first place. Through continued investment in neighbourhood policing, partnership working and dedicated investigative teams, we are strengthening our response to burglary and supporting victims throughout the process. A key part of that work is the expertise and determination of Dorset Police’s Burglary Investigation Teams, whose officers work tirelessly to identify offenders, secure evidence and protect the public. Below, Detective Inspector Erin Kinghorn, who leads the Burglary Investigation Team on the county side, provides an insight into the challenges the team faces, the successes it is achieving, and the proactive work taking place across the county to reduce burglary and keep Dorset safe. Detective Inspector Kinghorn’s update highlights not only the importance of robust investigation, but also the value of prevention, intelligence sharing and community vigilance in helping to tackle these offences together. In Dorset, we now have two Burglary Investigation Teams - one covering Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP), and one covering the county. I lead the county team. The Burglary Investigation Team is a dedicated unit which includes two Detective Constables. We deal with the more serious and complex burglaries and also assist Neighbourhood Policing Teams and patrol officers where we can. This can include making applications for various types of data that may assist investigations. The introduction of these teams has transformed the way burglary investigations are handled by providing focused, dedicated time and resources. Both teams have a clear objective: to deliver a focused and consistent investigative response to dwelling burglary series. We are also working to improve early evidence capture and suspect identification, while developing local and regional intelligence to tackle prolific offenders. Intelligence sharing is pivotal in tackling both residential and commercial burglars, as we often see cross-border offending. Dorset’s rural geography also presents challenges, with fewer evidential opportunities such as CCTV or direct witnesses. We find that prolific offenders often establish a routine, known as their modus operandi (MO). To avoid detection, they may offend in different areas, so sharing information about specific offenders, their appearance, methods and vehicle access can help identify them across county borders. Advances in technology have had a significant impact on how burglaries are investigated. CCTV is an obvious example, but sometimes other forms of technology prove even more valuable. For example, one property was targeted while the occupants were away on holiday. They only discovered the burglary upon returning home and were unable to say exactly when it had happened. This limited the scope of enquiries because reviewing several days of CCTV footage would not necessarily be proportionate. However, the occupants had remote heating controls and were able to check usage through their mobile phones. They noticed that the heating had unexpectedly switched on one day, despite not being scheduled to do so. We suspect this happened because a window had been broken, causing the temperature inside the property to drop. This information enabled us to narrow down the timeframe of the burglary and focus our enquiries. One thing I think people often misunderstand about burglary is timing. Many assume burglaries only happen at night, but that is not the case. I have seen offences committed at 2pm in the afternoon. It is also important to recognise that many burglaries are opportunistic rather than carefully planned. If we want to reduce burglaries, we need to reduce opportunities. Don't leave car keys by the front door if the door is unlocked. Don't leave your back door open because you live in a safe neighbourhood. Don't leave ladders visible in the garden and don't leave sheds unsecured. These small steps can make a huge difference. If the opportunity is not there, many burglars will simply move on until they find a property that is easier to enter. I would like to thank Detective Inspector Kinghorn for sharing more about the Burglary Investigation Teams and providing practical advice on how we can all help keep our homes safer. If you would like to know more about the teams, you can also read a guest blog from Detective Inspector Want, who leads the BCP team. I hope this newsletter demonstrates that both I and Dorset Police are listening to residents’ concerns and that more is being done to tackle burglary across Dorset. We all have a role to play in keeping our homes secure and reducing opportunities for criminals to strike. You can also find further advice on protecting your home in the Home Safety leaflet. David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Message Sent By: Georgia Felton (OPCC, Communication and Engagement Officer, Dorset) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Standing up for Dorset in Parliament: Government must act on organised crime Last week, I appeared before the Home Affairs Select Committee to ensure Dorset’s voice was heard loud and clear in Parliament. My message to MPs was simple: serious and organised crime is evolving, becoming more sophisticated and more deeply embedded in communities, and Government must do more if they are serious about tackling it. Too often, people think organised crime is something that happens somewhere else. The reality is very different. Organised criminal gangs are operating in Dorset, profiting from drugs, exploitation, theft, money laundering and other criminal activity that causes harm in communities across our county. While the criminals themselves may be hidden, the impact is not. Residents see the consequences through anti-social behaviour, shoplifting, exploitation of vulnerable people, drug-related crime and the fear that organised criminality brings into local neighbourhoods. Organised crime is not just a city problem. I told MPs that serious and organised crime in Dorset extends far beyond drugs. It lives in our rural communities, organised crime groups are increasingly involved in hare coursing, poaching, fly-tipping, waste crime, metal theft, and the theft of agricultural equipment. These offences can have a devastating impact on farming families and rural communities and too often leave victims feeling isolated and forgotten. These groups do not operate in parochial isolation. They treat crime as a business and exploit every opportunity to make money from as many sources as possible. One of the strongest messages I delivered to the Committee was that we cannot simply ‘arrest’ our way out of this problem. Enforcement is not the only answer. The National Drugs Strategy, got the diagnosis right. It recognised the need for effective enforcement, treatment, and prevention. My concern is that implementation has stalled. For too long, the focus has been on tackling the consequences of drug misuse rather than stopping people, particularly young people, from entering the cycle of drug use and exploitation in the first place. I challenged Government to renew its focus on prevention and invest in educating young people about the dangers of drugs before they become involved with criminal gangs. If we fail to do that, we will be having exactly the same conversation in 20 years’ time. Action is needed on Ketamine and needed now! I highlighted my growing concern about ketamine use among young people to the panel. During the session, I urged Government to stop delaying decisions around ketamine classification and take decisive action. While politicians debate, the harms continue. We are seeing increasing evidence of serious long-term health consequences, including life-changing damage to young people's urinary systems and this cannot, must not continue. Government must move faster and provide the resources, education and enforcement needed to tackle this growing threat. It will come as no surprise, that I made it clear that in my opinion, neighbourhood policing remains one of our strongest weapons against organised crime. Local officers, PCSOs and police staff know their communities and are often the first to identify emerging criminal activity. Most importantly, local people and communities that share intelligence and information allows the police to disrupt organised criminal networks before they become even more entrenched. That is why I told the Committee that any future reforms must protect neighbourhood policing and ensure local communities continue to have a direct voice in policing priorities. The Committee explored the Government's plans for police reform and potential changes to policing structures. I warned MPs that serious and organised crime may operate regionally and nationally, but its effects are felt locally. My concern is that centralising decision-making and moving resources away from local communities’ risks weakening the very things that make policing effective: local knowledge, local relationships and local accountability. We cannot allow local communities to lose their voice in the pursuit of structural change. Government must recommit to the National Drugs Strategy. Perhaps my clearest challenge to Government was this: commit fully to the national drugs strategy or replace it with something better - but do not allow momentum to drift. I raised concerns that national leadership on drugs policy has weakened over the past two years, with key structures that previously drove accountability and cross-government working no longer operating effectively. Tackling organised crime requires the Home Office, Department of Health, Ministry of Justice, local government, policing and education all pulling in the same direction. Without that leadership, progress will stall. Despite all the challenges, I was proud to showcase the work Dorset Police and our partners are carrying out every day. From tackling county lines to safeguarding vulnerable people and working through initiatives such as Operation Scorpion and Clear, Hold, Build, Dorset is demonstrating the value of partnership working and proactive policing. But we cannot fight this battle alone. My message to the Committee was clear and I ask all those who have an interest in this area of policing and indeed in this area of public health to join me and call on the Government to: Recommit to the national drugs strategy and deliver it properly Invest in prevention and education for young people. Act decisively on the growing threat posed by ketamine. Protect neighbourhood policing. Preserve local accountability in any future police reforms. Support stronger partnership working across policing, health, education, and local government. Ensure rural communities are not overlooked in the fight against organised crime. Serious and organised crime is changing rapidly, and Government must be prepared to change with it. I will continue to make Dorset's case in Westminster and push for the action, resources and support needed to keep our communities safe. David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Watch the Home Affairs Select Committee session: The impact of serious and organised crime on local neighbourhoods Parliamentlive.tv - Home Affairs Committee Message Sent By: Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner ------------------------------------------------------------------------- The national charity for the Neighbourhood Watch Movement is seeking new trustees – could you be one of them* Neighbourhood Watch Network, the national charity supporting the Neighbourhood Watch movement across England and Wales, is seeking new trustees to join our Board. As a trustee, you'll help shape the strategic direction of the charity, ensuring we continue to support safer, stronger and more connected communities. It's a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference while developing your leadership and governance experience. We're looking for people who share our values, are passionate about community safety, and can commit around 10 hours a month. Previous trustee experience isn't essential—we welcome first-time trustees and are keen to build a diverse Board that reflects the communities we serve. If you're interested in learning more, we'd be delighted to arrange an informal conversation with one of our current trustees before you apply. Applications close on Friday 31 July. To find out more, please read our information guide attached to this message and if you feel that this could be a good fit for you, then please submit your application, by visiting our CharityJob listing. Thank you for considering this opportunity to help shape the future of Neighbourhood Watch. -------------------------------------------------------------- Attachments NWN trustee recruitment 2026.pdf Neighbourhood Watch Network ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mobile Police Station - Highcliffe : Thu 16 Jul 15:30 The Dorset Police mobile Police station will be at: When and Where* Thu 16 Jul 2026 15:30 - 17:30 Highcliffe Cliff Top Car Park, BH23 5DF ///hears.tutorial.calm Local Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) will be available for you to: Speak face to face about any concerns in your community Report crimes or issues (in addition to using the 101-phone service or reporting online) Receive crime prevention advice This is an opportunity to meet your local neighbourhood policing team and raise matters that are important to you. No appointment is needed - simply drop by. For any other enquiries, please visit a Dorset Police front office counter in Bournemouth, Weymouth, or Blandford - details of these are available on the website. The mobile police station will continue to tour locations across Dorset each month. Message Sent By: Media and Communications ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mature drivers seminar 2026 Are you a mature driver and want to improve your fitness to drive* Or do you have an older relative whose driving you’re concerned about* Join Dorset Police for a free road safety event aimed at keeping mature drivers safer on the road for longer. It is open to everyone - all ages are welcome. Register your interest by emailing olderdrivers@dorset.police.uk to attend either a morning or afternoon session on Tuesday 14 July 2026 at Godfirst Church in Christchurch. Message Sent By: Media and Communications July 4, 2026 Operation Scorpion 15 delivers results across Dorset Illegal drugs and the criminality they fuel have no place in Dorset, which is why I welcome the positive results achieved through the latest phase of Operation Scorpion. Operation Scorpion is a coordinated initiative involving police forces and partner agencies from across the south west. Through dedicated weeks of enforcement activity, Dorset Police work alongside regional partners to disrupt the supply of illegal drugs, target those who exploit vulnerable people, and protect our communities from the harm caused by organised criminality. This strong partnership work harnesses the collective power of five police forces, the respective PCCs, British Transport Police, SWROCU and Crimestoppers to send a very clear message to criminals that there is no place for them in our region, and we are intent on disrupting and dismantling organised crime groups and county lines. This is ably demonstrated by the following results from the latest round of Scorpion: Across the region, results included: 103 arrests 16 adults and children safeguarded Over 5kg of Class A drugs seized 24kg of cannabis seized £81,747 cash seized 8 weapons and 4 firearms seized Along with 5kg of Class A drugs, spice, ketamine, MDMA and amphetamine were also seized In Dorset, there were: Nine warrants executed 34 arrests made Approx £6,200 in cash seized Approx 399g of Cocaine seized Approx 31g of Cannabis sezied Approx 24g of Heroin seized Multiple weapons seized, including knives, a crossbow, baseball bats and an imitation firearm Five adults and six children safeguarded I know residents rightly expect robust action against those who seek to profit from drugs and exploitation, and I hope that these results demonstrate the commitment of Dorset Police and its partners to making our communities safer. You may not always see this work, but it is happening, day in, day out to keep Dorset safe. Whether through warrants and arrests, or the sterling work of police licensing teams or close work with street pastors, taxi marshals and drivers through Taxi Watch, venue security and safeguarding services to support vulnerable individuals, the commitment to prevention, enforcement and safeguarding is clear. During the operation, I saw first-hand the dedication to this work during a warrant in the Bournemouth area. From gathering intelligence and executing warrants to safeguarding vulnerable people and building evidence against offenders, there is an enormous amount of painstaking work that takes place behind the scenes to keep Dorset safe. I would like to thank all the officers, police staff, volunteers and partner agencies who contributed to the success of this operation. Their commitment, often in challenging circumstances, plays a vital role in disrupting criminal activity and protecting our communities. While enforcement remains crucial, information from the public continues to be one of the most valuable tools in identifying offenders and tackling drug-related crime. Every piece of intelligence you can provide to Dorset Police or through Crimestoppers helps build a clearer picture and supports efforts to protect those most at risk of harm. I want to be clear; our commitment is unwavering and we will continue to target those who seek to profit from drugs and exploitation, protect vulnerable people from harm, and work tirelessly with our partners to ensure Dorset remains a hostile environment for criminals and a safe place for everyone else. David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Message Sent By: Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Good Safe Summer: ASB Awareness Week ASB Awareness Week is an important opportunity to shine a spotlight on an issue that affects communities across the country and one I know matters greatly to residents here in Dorset. Anti-social behaviour (ASB) takes many forms. It can be persistent noise, vandalism, intimidation, nuisance behaviour, the misuse of public spaces or any activity that leaves people feeling uncomfortable or unsafe in their own neighbourhood. While individual incidents may seem minor, their cumulative impact can be profound, damaging people's wellbeing, confidence and quality of life. Since becoming Police and Crime Commissioner, I have heard time and again about the impact ASB has on people's daily lives. Residents want to feel safe where they live. They want their concerns to be taken seriously, and, above all, they want to know that action is being taken. That is why tackling ASB remains one of my key priorities. It requires a coordinated response from policing, local authorities, housing providers and other partners, working together to support victims, tackle the root causes, ensure CCTV and streetlights are working, and take enforcement action where necessary. This joined-up approach is delivering results. Reports of ASB in Dorset are now at their lowest level since 2008. However, I know those statistics offer little comfort if the problem is happening outside your front door. Every victim deserves to feel heard and supported, and I want to reassure residents that Dorset Police and I remain fully committed to tackling ASB wherever it occurs. Dorset Police has continued to take robust action to tackle anti-social behaviour. Building on the successes of 2024/25, the Force secured a further £1 million from the Home Office Hotspot Action Fund for 2025/26, enabling additional high-visibility patrols to tackle ASB and violent crime in hotspot areas, including Bournemouth, Poole and Weymouth. Over the past year, the scheme has also expanded to cover hotspots in Blandford, Wimborne and Swanage. Alongside this, Operation Track has delivered more than 9,000 hours of targeted patrols in ASB hotspots across the county. Tackling anti-social behaviour is also a key part of Dorset Police's Good Safe Summer campaign, with increased patrols in hotspot locations, an additional 40 neighbourhood policing officers on the ground and robust enforcement action helping to keep communities safe. But enforcement is only part of the solution. If we want safer communities for the future, we must also invest in prevention, education and opportunities that help steer people away from anti-social behaviour before it starts. That is why I established the Operation Relentless Community Fund in 2021. Since then, the fund has supported 53 local projects with more than £210,000 of investment. These projects have included skateboarding sessions for young people, employability programmes for people leaving prison, CCTV in ASB hotspots and one-to-one mentoring for vulnerable young people. In March 2026, my office opened the sixth round of funding, and I am delighted to announce that a further 11 projects have been awarded a total of nearly £45,000. I look forward to seeing the positive difference these initiatives will make in communities across Dorset. Tackling anti-social behaviour is not about one organisation or one initiative - it is about all of us working together. By combining strong enforcement with early intervention and community investment, we can continue to make Dorset a place where people not only feel safe but are safe. That is the standard our communities deserve, and it is one I will continue working tirelessly to deliver. David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Message Sent By: Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rachel Farrell confirmed as new Chief Constable of Dorset Police Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick has welcomed the confirmation of Rachel Farrell as the new Chief Constable of Dorset Police following a hearing by the Dorset Police and Crime Panel. Rachel Farrell, who currently serves as Deputy Chief Constable, was announced as the Commissioner’s preferred candidate in May and will succeed Chief Constable Amanda Pearson, who retires later this summer. Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: "I am delighted that Rachel Farrell has been confirmed as the new Chief Constable of Dorset Police. Rachel was selected as my preferred candidate because of her outstanding leadership, extensive operational experience and clear commitment to public service. Throughout her policing career, she has demonstrated the professionalism, integrity and determination needed to lead Dorset Police into the future. Having served Dorset for many years, Rachel understands our communities, the challenges facing modern policing and the importance of maintaining the highest standards while continuing to deliver an excellent service to the public. I know she shares my ambition to make Dorset the safest county in the country, and I look forward to continuing to work with her to reduce crime, support victims and keep our communities safe.” I would also like to thank Chief Constable Amanda Pearson for her dedicated leadership and service to Dorset Police, and I wish her all the very best for her retirement." Appointed as Chief Constable, Rachel Farrell said: “I am delighted and honoured to lead Dorset Police, having served communities in Dorset and Hampshire for over 30 years. I care deeply about public service and, throughout my time, I have never lost sight of what matters: keeping people safe, protecting the vulnerable, bringing offenders to justice and earning the trust and confidence of communities. “I am committed to Dorset remaining one of the safest counties in the country, to Dorset Police continuing to improve and strengthen, and that my officers, staff and volunteers have the support they need to thrive and give the best possible service.” Rachel Farrell brings more than three decades of policing experience and has held a range of leadership roles during her career, including responsibility for tackling serious and complex crime, protecting vulnerable people and leading major investigations. As Deputy Chief Constable, she has played a key role in the strategic leadership of Dorset Police and in delivering services for communities across the county. She will formally take up the Chief Constable role later this summer. David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Message Sent By: Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Building strong relationships to keep people safe Today, I want to shine a light on a team whose work is often unseen but plays a crucial role in keeping us safe - Dorset Police's licensing team. Their work is especially relevant and is timely given the recent Operation Scorpion 15 which focused on the night-time economy and tackling drug-related offending. While enforcement is an important part of Op Scorpion, prevention is just as vital. By working closely with pubs, bars, clubs and other licensed venues across Dorset, the licensing team helps identify risks early, share intelligence and prevent crime and disorder before it happens. I'm pleased to highlight the team's important work and the difference they make to communities across Dorset every day. Our role within the Dorset Police Licensing Team is largely preventative. We work closely with licensed venues across the county to help minimise crime, disorder and risks within the night-time economy before problems occur. The most important part of our job is building strong relationships with operators. We don't see licensing as simply telling businesses what they can and can't do. Instead, we work in partnership with venues, supporting them to identify issues, share information and find solutions. We also work closely with venues to tackle issues such as drugs and anti-social behaviour. When operators proactively seize drugs or identify suspicious activity, we see that as a positive sign that effective measures are in place. The intelligence they provide helps us build a clearer picture of emerging trends and help us to target resources where they are needed most. Strong relationships are key to this and because we work hard to build trust, venues are more willing to share information. That intelligence not only supports policing activity but is often shared with partner agencies to help tackle wider community issues. As part of our engagement, we regularly engage with operators through schemes such as Pubwatch, which provide valuable opportunities to share information, discuss emerging risks and promote best practice. These forums allow us to work collectively with businesses that want to make a positive difference and keep their customers safe. When problems are identified, our approach is proportionate. We work with venues first, offering advice and support to help them improve. Most operators respond positively and make the necessary changes. However, where issues persist and businesses fail to engage, we can escalate matters through warning letters, licence reviews and, in the most serious cases, applications to revoke licences. Across Dorset there are more than 4,000 licensed premises, and the vast majority are well run. Our role is to support those responsible operators while ensuring that the small number of venues that repeatedly cause problems are held to account. Much of what we do is difficult to measure because successful prevention often means incidents never happen in the first place. However, by working proactively with venues, local authorities and partner agencies, we help prevent crime and disorder, improve public safety, reduce nuisance and protect vulnerable people. Ultimately, our aim is to make Dorset's towns and night-time economy safer places for everyone. Thank you to the licensing team for all that you do. This work is vital, and I’m really pleased I can shine a spotlight on it, as an important part of the prevention work that I know the public want to know more about. I would like to send a very simple message on the team’s behalf – if you see something concerning at a licensed venue, tell the police. Unless it is reported, they can’t act. Your report could be the final piece of the puzzle needed to take action. Dorset Police, along with my Office and our partners, work relentlessly to ensure people are safe, criminality is tackled robustly and perpetrators brought to justice. Together we can all play our part in ensuring Dorset stays a safe place to live, work and visit, now and in the future. David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Message Sent By: Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Don’t pay the ransom: Warning to organisations to protect themselves from ransomware Businesses are being warned about ransomware attacks and how to report them, as new figures reveal 323 companies were targeted last year, equating to more than 26 attacks each month. Data from Report Fraud reveals that 323 organisations reported a ransomware attack between April 2025 and March 2026. Of the reports received, more than 50 per cent were from Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) (175 reports). Ransomware remains one of the biggest threats to businesses and organisations across the UK. As part of a campaign launching today (29 June 2026), Report Fraud is urging everyone to protect themselves and their businesses from the active threat of ransomware attacks, especially SMEs. The campaign also highlights how important it is to report when an organisation is attacked by cyber criminals. Analysis shows that reports made where the sector of the organisation was listed, the manufacturing industry (42 reports), scientific and technical sector (21 reports) and education sector (19 reports) have all been impacted. How does it work* A ransomware attack happens when cyber criminals, who are part of an organised crime group, find a vulnerability in a company’s network to gain access, then establish control and plant malware into the company’s encryption software. The malware planted is designed to prevent a person or business from accessing a device and the data stored on it. Once the malware is activated, it locks devices and access to data across the company’s network and the cyber criminals behind the attack will then demand a ransom via an onscreen notification in exchange to decrypt the files or data held. The cyber criminals will often use an untraceable payment method, likely using a cryptocurrency. What to do if you’re under a ransomware attack If you are a small or medium sized enterprise currently experiencing a ransomware attack, you should report it immediately by calling Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040. Report Fraud has a 24/7 phone line dedicated for businesses, charities or organisations who are under a cyber attack. Do not pay the ransom. The National Cyber Security Centre and UK law enforcement do not encourage, endorse or condone the payment of ransom demands. There is no guarantee that access can be regained to data held and devices could still be infected. Take the right steps to ensure your organisation is protected against ransomware by looking at the advice and guidance from the National Cyber Security Centre: ncsc.gov.uk/ransomware. Businesses and organisations can also ensure they are protected against the most common cyber threats using further resources from the National Cyber Security Centre: Cyber Action Toolkit: https://cybertoolkit.service.ncsc.gov.uk/ Cyber Essential: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/cyberessentials Do you want to support Report Fraud Ransomware campaign* Download the assets here: www.reportfraud.police.uk/content-hub. If you have issues accessing the assets, please copy and paste the URL into an incognito browser window. If you think you have been a victim of fraud contact Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via the website: reportfraud.police.uk. Any suspicious activity should be reported to Report Fraud as soon as possible at www.reportfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, victims of fraud and cybercrime should report to Police Scotland on 101. Message Sent By: Report Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Are you a ‘mature driver’ and want to drive safely for longer* Are you a ‘mature driver’ and want to drive safely for longer* Do you have elderly relatives and would like to find out how to help them with their fitness to drive* Come along to our free 'mature driver' session at Godfirst Church in Christchurch on Tuesday 14 July 2026. There will be two sessions, one is 9.30am to 12pm and another is running at 12.30pm to 3pm. We’ll also be providing support for any family members, friends or carers who may be concerned about an older driver. To book your place, email olderdrivers@dorset.police.uk with the time that you would like to attend. Message Sent By: Media and Communications June 27, 2026 How Dorset Police is Cracking Down on Heritage Crime Dorset is home to some of the most remarkable historic landscapes, archaeological sites and heritage assets in the country. Protecting that heritage is a responsibility we all share. While heritage crime may not be one of the first issues people associate with policing, offences such as theft, illegal metal detecting and damage to protected sites can have a lasting impact. Once history is lost, it cannot simply be replaced. Heritage crime is one of the key areas the Dorset Partnership Against Rural Crime (DPARC) was established to tackle. Since its formation in 2021, members have introduced a number of initiatives to address the issue, including a pilot scheme involving signage, monitoring and raising awareness of the impact of off-roading on protected heritage and wildlife sites. Through DPARC, Dorset Police and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner are also working with Historic England to improve the mapping and monitoring of heritage crime. Last year, Dorset Police launched Heritage Watch, a new initiative aimed at helping to preserve the county’s historic sites from crime and anti-social behaviour. Heritage crime includes any offence that directly harms a listed building, scheduled monument, World Heritage Site or protected wreck. Through Heritage Watch, members of the public can report crime or anti-social behaviour affecting heritage sites using an online form on the Dorset Police website. To tell us more about the work being done to tackle this complex issue, I have invited Sergeant Ian Arnold, Heritage Crime Lead for Dorset Police. He brings a unique perspective on the threats facing our historic environment, the work underway to protect it and the important role local communities play in safeguarding Dorset’s heritage for future generations. I’ve been the lead for heritage crime within Dorset Police for around three years. Following a briefing from Historic England, it became clear that heritage offences were not always being identified or recorded correctly, meaning they were often going under the radar. Since taking on the role, I have worked with colleagues across the Force to improve how heritage crimes are recorded by ensuring the correct tags exist on our systems and delivering training to neighbourhood policing teams, the Rural Crime Team and Mounted Rural Volunteers so they can recognise and respond appropriately. I have also worked with our Incident and Crime Response teams and the Force Control Room to ensure heritage crime is handled correctly throughout the investigative process. In Dorset, the two most common types of heritage crime are nighthawking – illegal metal detecting on scheduled monuments or without landowners’ permission – and the theft of lead from protected buildings. One of the biggest challenges we face is under-reporting. Heritage offences are often reported to landowners or Historic England rather than directly to the police. Heritage Watch brings together partner agencies to share intelligence and raise awareness of how incidents can be reported. Since its launch, we have seen an increase in reports, with volunteers and subject matter experts providing valuable information and intelligence. We have already seen some positive results. Recently, Historic England passed on information relating to suspected nighthawking, including a vehicle registration number. This enabled officers to identify the suspect, establish their movements and catch them in the act. Heritage crime is an issue where intelligence is crucial. In some cases, particularly nighthawking, communities can be very secretive, so I would encourage anyone who sees anything suspicious to report it and, where appropriate, make clear that they believe it may involve heritage crime. I’d like to thank Sergeant Arnold for taking the time to share his expertise with us. The work he, the rest of the Force and our DPARC partners are doing to combat heritage crime is vital in protecting Dorset’s rich history, landscapes and cultural heritage for future generations. Protecting these treasured places is a shared responsibility, and public reporting plays a crucial role in helping us identify and tackle offences. If you see suspicious activity or have concerns about potential heritage crime, please report it and help us keep Dorset’s heritage safe. You can also find information about local concerns, how to share intelligence and how to report issues on the Country Watch website David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Message Sent By: Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner ------------------------------------------------------------------------- FCA / WhatsApp Impersonation Scam & Mobile Phone Upgrade / Free phone or iPad Scam FCA / WhatsApp Impersonation Scam We are seeing reports of criminals contacting victims through WhatsApp, pretending to be from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). They often use video calls The caller may display the FCA logo as their profile picture to look genuine This makes the scam feel more real and convincing Stay safe: The FCA, police and banks will NEVER ask you for personal information or ask you to transfer money Do not trust logos, video calls, or official-looking profiles Hang up and call your bank on 159 to check for any suspicious transactions Update your password and set up up 2 Step Verification Mobile Phone Upgrade / Free iPad Scam Criminals are pretending to be mobile phone providers offering: A free upgrade A free iPad or device How the scam works: They contact you to say you are entitled to a free upgrade and just need your details to confirm that it is you. They send you an item – but it is not what was promised They ask you to return it or arrange a courier collection The item is then stolen and sold on, leaving you stuck paying the bill Stay safe: Contact your provider directly using a trusted number before agreeing to any offers Be wary of unexpected upgrade offers Contact your bank on 159 to check for any suspicious transactions Update your password and set up up 2 Step Verification * Need Advice* Dorset Police offer a 24/7 fraud advice service: * Ask Damian – 01202 144688 If you receive a suspicious WhatsApp, phone call, text, or email, or are concerned about any other type of fraud call Ask Damian for immediate advice and a text message with the advice If you have been a victim of fraud, contact reportfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040. Message Sent By: Damian Cranny (Dorset Police, Fraud Protect Officer, Dorset June 20, 2026 Visible, Trusted, Connected: Neighbourhood Policing in Dorset As Neighbourhood Policing Week comes to an end, I want to take a moment to reflect on what neighbourhood policing means for Dorset and why it remains a top priority for me as your Police and Crime Commissioner. From our bustling town centres to our rural villages and coastal communities, Dorset Police neighbourhood policing teams are building relationships, solving problems and working alongside local people to keep communities safe. Their work is at the heart of effective policing and plays a vital role in building trust and confidence across Dorset. When I speak to residents across the county, they are clear about what matters to them. They want action on antisocial behaviour, support for victims and reassurance that local concerns are being listened to and acted upon. Above all, they want policing that is visible, accessible and connected to the communities it serves. Neighbourhood policing delivers all of this and more. It is often neighbourhood officers who know the local issues, understand the people involved and work with partners to tackle problems before they escalate. Whether it is addressing antisocial behaviour, protecting vulnerable people, preventing crime, supporting local businesses or tackling rural crime, neighbourhood teams play a crucial role in making Dorset safer. As Police and Crime Commissioner, I have consistently championed neighbourhood policing because I believe it is fundamental to effective policing. Officers who are visible, accessible and embedded within their communities help prevent crime, improve public confidence and strengthen community safety. That is why I am particularly pleased to see the continued expansion of Dorset Police's Community Contact Points across the county, alongside the use of the Mobile Police Stations. Together, these initiatives are making it easier for residents to meet their local officers, raise concerns and receive crime prevention advice. They also support the principles of the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, ensuring people have regular opportunities to engage with local policing teams, know who is policing their area and have confidence that local concerns are being heard and acted upon. I am also pleased that the forces neighbourhood policing teams have recently been strengthened with 40 new officers joining teams across Dorset. These additional officers will focus on the issues that matter most to local people, helping to ensure the public not only remain safe but, crucially, feel safe in their communities. Feeling safe where you live, work and spend your time is fundamental to people's quality of life and their confidence in policing. Thanks to Dorset Police's strong financial management, the work of Project Evolve and investment through the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, the Force is able to strengthen its neighbourhood policing teams even further and continue delivering the visible policing that residents expect. There is, of course, more to do and I know that residents continue to have concerns about antisocial behaviour, rural crime and community safety. That is why I remain committed to working with Dorset Police to ensure neighbourhood policing remains strong, responsive and focused on the issues that matter most to local people. My thanks go to every neighbourhood police officer, PCSO, Special Constable, volunteer and partner organisation for the work they do every day on behalf of Dorset's communities. Their professionalism, compassion and commitment deserve recognition not just this week, but throughout the year. Finally, I want to thank Dorset's residents. Community safety is a shared responsibility, and neighbourhood policing is strongest when policing and communities work together. By reporting concerns, engaging with local teams and helping shape local priorities, residents play a crucial role in keeping Dorset safe. Neighbourhood Policing Week may be coming to a close, but the work continues every day. Together, we will continue to build safer communities, increase public confidence and ensure Dorset remains one of the safest counties in the country. David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Message Sent By: Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner ------------------------------------------------------------------v Courier fraud alert: Over 70s targeted as courier fraud exceeds £21 million in 2025 City of London Police are issuing a renewed warning to the public as courier fraud continues to evolve across the UK, with criminals using increasingly sophisticated and persistent tactics that are driving significant financial harm to victims. New figures show reports increased by nearly 10 per cent year-on-year, rising from 1,721 in 2024 to 1,891 in 2025. Over the same period, total losses climbed from £19.5 million to more than £21 million, with the average amount stolen per victim now standing at £15,311.08, underlining the significant financial harm caused by each offence. A key feature of this threat is the disproportionate targeting of older people, particularly those aged 70 and above. This group makes up majority of victims, with those aged between 76 and 96 alone accounting for around 62 per cent of all reports. Fraudsters often deliberately focus on older victims, exploiting trust in institutions such as the police and banks, as well as using pressure tactics, fear and urgency to manipulate them into complying with instructions. A growing trend identified in 2025 involves the use of jewellery and gold to carry out high-value frauds. In many cases, victims are persuaded to visit multiple jewellers to purchase expensive items over a period of time before handing them to a courier. This method often results in the highest amount stolen and can involve repeat victimisation, with offenders maintaining contact to extract as much money as possible. How to spot the signs of courier fraud Courier fraud typically begins with an unexpected phone call from someone claiming to be a police officer or bank employee. Victims are told their account is at risk or that they are assisting with an investigation, before being instructed to withdraw money, purchase items, or disclose sensitive information. A courier is then sent to collect the items such as jewellery, cash, bank cards and PINs. In reality, this is the work of criminals and anything handed over is lost. How to protect yourself from courier fraud: Transferring money: Your bank or the police will never ask you to transfer money to a safe account. Couriers: Your bank or the police will never send a courier to your home to collect bank cards, cash, or other valuables such as jewellery. Check if it’s genuine: Contact the organisation directly using contact details you know are correct, such as those on official websites, the back of your card or by calling 159 for your bank. Caller ID: Don’t trust the Caller ID display on your phone - it’s not proof of ID. Report suspicious calls: You can report suspected scam calls by sending a text to 7726 with the word ‘Call’ followed by the caller’s number. If you think you have been a victim of fraud contact Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via the website: reportfraud.police.uk. Any suspicious activity should be reported to Report Fraud as soon as possible at www.reportfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, victims of fraud and cybercrime should report to Police Scotland on 101. Message Sent By: Report Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fraud alert: Scam calls using ‘spoofed’ phone numbers City of London Police is urging the public to be sure of who they are talking to following a spike in reports of calls from ‘spoofed’ phone numbers. Criminals use ‘spoofing’ software to intentionally cover up their real caller ID and instead, mirror the phone number of a legitimate organisation. They do this to make it appear that calls or text messages are coming from a trusted organisation like the police, banks or government agencies. These scam calls may be automated, or from a real person. Their main goal is to trick you into sharing personal information or to transfer money. This week, the City of London Police launched its courier fraud campaign to raise awareness of this type of fraud as it evolves across the UK, with criminals using increasingly sophisticated and persistent tactics. Courier fraud typically begins with an unexpected phone call from someone claiming to be a police officer or bank employee. Victims are told their account is at risk or that they are assisting with an investigation, before being instructed to withdraw money, purchase items, or disclose sensitive information. A courier is then sent to collect the items such as jewellery, cash, bank cards and PINs. In reality, this is the work of criminals, and anything handed over is lost. Report a suspicious phone call If you've lost money or have been hacked as a result of responding to a phishing message or scam call, you should report it to Report Fraud. In England, Wales or Northern Ireland, visit https://www.reportfraud.police.uk/ or call 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, report to Police Scotland by calling 101. You should also report suspected scam calls by sending a text to 7726 with the word ‘Call’ and the caller's number. If you’ve shared personal information with a suspicious caller Learn how to protect yourself if you think you’ve shared personal information. If you’ve visited a website you think is suspicious, you can report a scam website or link to us at https://www.reportfraud.police.uk/. Any suspicious activity should be reported to Report Fraud as soon as possible at www.reportfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, victims of fraud and cybercrime should report to Police Scotland on 101. Message Sent By: Report Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mature drivers session Are you a ‘mature driver’ and want to drive safely for longer* Do you have older relatives and would like to find out how to help them with their fitness to drive* Come along to our free 'mature driver' session at Godfirst Church in Christchurch on Tuesday 14 July 2026. There will be two sessions, one 9.30am to 12pm and another 12.30pm to 3pm. We’ll also be providing support for any family members, friends or carers who may be concerned about an older driver. To book your place, email olderdrivers@dorset.police.uk with the time that you would like to attend. Message Sent By: Media and Communications June 13, 2026 Preparing Dorset for a Good Safe Summer As Dorset enters its busiest and most pressured season, I know planning for this period with partners has been intensive over the past few months. As part of this work, the Force has launched the Good Safe Summer campaign in May, bringing together the police, local authorities, businesses and community partners to help ensure that residents and visitors can enjoy everything the county has to offer safely and responsibly. With millions of visitors expected across Dorset's towns, beaches and attractions over the summer, the campaign focuses on preventing crime, reducing anti-social behaviour and maintaining a visible policing presence in key locations across the county. Throughout the summer, residents and visitors can expect to see increased high-visibility patrols in busy town centres, beachfronts and tourist hotspots. Neighbourhood Policing Teams, patrol officers, Police Community Support Officers, Special Constables and affiliated community safety partners will be working together to provide reassurance and respond quickly to concerns. The Force and I, along with our partners, have made it clear that anti-social behaviour, violence and criminal activity will not be tolerated. Officers will use appropriate powers wherever necessary to protect communities and ensure public spaces remain safe for everyone. Since the campaign launched last month, the Force has already dealt with a wide range of incidents, including carrying out warrants in relation to dangerous dogs, tracking down and returning a stolen motorhome, making arrests for drug offences, responding to shoplifting incidents and conducting welfare checks on vulnerable people. I know many residents have been concerned by the recent disorder witnessed on Bournemouth's seafront. The violence and anti-social behaviour displayed by a small minority was completely unacceptable and understandably caused alarm among those who were simply enjoying our beaches and public spaces. I fully support the swift response of Dorset Police officers, who acted professionally and courageously to protect the public and prevent further escalation. Let me be clear: this type of behaviour will not be tolerated in Dorset. Dorset Police will continue to work closely with partners to tackle disorder, reassure local communities and ensure that Bournemouth, and the wider county, remains a safe and welcoming place for residents and visitors alike this summer. Alongside increased patrols and robust enforcement action against anti-social behaviour, Operation Show has been launched in Bournemouth. This initiative sees dedicated officers from local Neighbourhood Policing Teams patrolling the beach, pier and promenade throughout the day and evening. Officers have also continued to carry out Operation Nightjar, which focuses foot patrols on the busiest areas around Bournemouth's bars and clubs. Working closely with partners, officers are helping to prevent disorder, safeguard vulnerable people and respond quickly to emerging issues. In our rural communities, the Rural Crime Team is supporting Operation Recall, which encourages dog owners to keep their pets under effective control when walking in rural areas this summer. The aim is to reduce livestock worrying and dog attacks. Mounted Rural Volunteers are also increasing patrols, supporting local communities, covering rural areas and acting as additional eyes and ears for the police in more remote locations. Dorset Police will continue to work closely with Dorset Council, BCP Council, Weymouth Town Council, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, Business Improvement Districts and other partners to coordinate summer safety activity across the county. This collaborative approach helps ensure that resources are focused where they are needed most and that residents, businesses and visitors receive consistent safety messaging throughout the summer period. By working together, we can help ensure that Dorset remains one of the safest places in the country to live, work and visit. The Good Safe Summer campaign will continue throughout the holiday period, with officers and partners maintaining a visible presence across Dorset's communities and visitor destinations. The additional investment in neighbourhood policing, alongside proactive work to tackle issues such as anti-social behaviour, retail crime and knife crime, demonstrates a clear commitment to keeping Dorset one of the safest places in the country. I encourage everyone to play their part. Whether you live here or are visiting, please act responsibly and look out for one another – we will not tolerate any kind of disorder. By working together, we can ensure that Dorset remains a safe, welcoming and enjoyable place for all this summer. David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Message Sent By: Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner ------------------------------------------------------------------v Courier Fraud Warning Dorset Police are warning residents about courier fraud scams happening in the area. Criminals may contact you pretending to be from the police or your bank. They will give a believable story, such as: Your bank account is at risk There is a fraud investigation Your money or valuables need to be “kept safe” They may then ask you to: Put bank cards, cash, jewellery, or gift cards into an envelope or package They arrange for a courier to collect it from your home Use a password to make it sound official This is a scam. Important to remember: Police and banks will NEVER ask you to do this They will never ask for your PIN or full banking details They will never send a courier to collect money or valuables How to protect yourself: Hang up immediately Call your bank's fraud department on 159 Do not hand over any items to a courier Report it to Report Fraud 0300 123 2040 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Real-life Dorset case A real courier fraud case in Dorset is shown on: Channel 4 – Special Ops: To Catch a Criminal Series 2, Episode 3 – Courier Fraud This programme shows how criminals operate and how people were targeted. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Please share this alert with friends, family, and neighbours — especially older or vulnerable people. Message Sent By: Damian Cranny (Dorset Police, Fraud Protect Officer, Dorset ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dorset Police Launches 24/7 Fraud Advice Service “Ask Damian” Dorset Police Launches 24/7 Fraud Advice Service “Ask Damian” Dorset Police has launched a new 24/7 telephone fraud advice service called “Ask Damian”, giving residents instant access to support and guidance to help protect themselves from fraud. The new service is designed to be easy to use and available at any time. It offers advice on all types of fraud, aiming to spot scams early and encourage simple steps to prevent financial loss. It and can also translate into different languages, making it accessible to a wide range of people across Dorset. Working with Bridgit Care Dorset Police has collaborated with Bridgit Care, a trusted organisation that provides resources to the NHS, charities and councils to support their communities. Using Bridgit Care’s platform and expertise, Ask Damian can provide tailored advice, clear guidance, helping residents better understand fraud risks and take practical steps to stay safe. Strong results from trials During testing, the service received very positive feedback: • People said: “It was just like talking to a real person and it treated people with dignity and empathy.” • 87% of users felt better prepared to recognise and avoid fraud • 30% took proactive steps to protect themselves after the call The system can also send a follow-up text message, giving callers a summary of the advice they received. Raising awareness of fraud risks Fraud Protect Officer Damian Cranny said: “In the last 13 months, Dorset residents have lost £24.5 million to fraud. Much of this could be avoided if people followed simple prevention advice. I encourage residents of Dorset to use their free call minutes to contact the service and take steps to protect themselves from fraud.” How to access the service • Service name: Ask Damian • Available: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week • Phone: 01202 144688 If you have been a victim of fraud, contact reportfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040. Message Sent By: Damian Cranny (Dorset Police, Fraud Protect Officer, Dorset ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 55 million suspicious emails reported by the public Members of the public have reported 55.7 million suspicious emails to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS). The free service was created by the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) in 2020 and since its launch has resulted in the removal of 250,000 scams across 443,000 malicious websites. Why you should report phishing scams 'Phishing' is when criminals use scam emails, text messages or phone calls to trick their victims. The aim is often to make you visit a website, which may download a virus onto your computer, or steal bank details or other personal information. The NCSC is a UK government organisation that has the power to investigate and take down scam email addresses and websites. Reporting a scam is free and only takes a minute. By reporting suspicious emails, messages and calls, you can: reduce the amount of scam communications you receive make yourself a harder target for scammers protect others from cyber crime online How to report suspicious emails and text messages: If you’ve received an email or text message that doesn’t feel right, STOP! break the contact – don’t reply, click on any links, call any phone numbers or make any payments check if it’s genuine: contact the organisation directly using an email address or phone number you know is correct, e.g. from your utility bills, via a search engine, on the back of your card or by calling 159 for banks Report suspicious emails by forwarding them to: report@phishing.gov.uk Report suspicious text messages by forwarding them to: 7726 (it’s free of charge) How to report suspicious phone calls: If you’ve received a phone call that doesn’t feel right, STOP! hang up check if it’s genuine: contact the organisation directly using contact details you know are correct, such as those on a utility bill, official website, the back of your card or by calling 159 for your bank don’t trust the Caller ID display on your phone – it’s not proof of ID report it by sending a text to 7726 with the word ‘Call’ followed by the scam caller’s numbe. For advice and guidance on what to do if you have been a victim of fraud, please visit: https://stopthinkfraud.campaign.gov.uk/recovery-from-fraud/r Any suspicious activity should be reported to Report Fraud as soon as possible at www.reportfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, victims of fraud and cybercrime should report to Police Scotland on 101. Message Sent By: Report Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National) - June 6, 2026 Tackling Fly-Tipping: Protecting Our Countryside and Rural Communities As Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset and a board member of the National Rural Crime Network (NRCN), I am proud to support efforts which shine a spotlight on the challenges facing our rural communities and the actions needed to address them. One issue that continues to blight our countryside is fly-tipping. What some may dismiss as discarded rubbish is, in reality, a serious crime that damages our environment, harms wildlife, places financial burdens on landowners and farmers, and undermines confidence in rural policing and public services. The National Rural Crime Network has consistently highlighted the growing impact of waste crime on rural communities. Across the country, farmers, landowners and residents are reporting increasing incidents of illegal dumping, often at significant personal and financial cost. Research and campaigning by rural organisations show that many incidents occur on private land, meaning the true scale of the problem is likely far greater than official figures suggest. The National Rural Crime Network’s (NRCN) recent Future Countryside report on fly-tipping reinforces what rural communities have been telling us for years - fly-tipping is not a victimless crime. It is often linked to organised criminality, illegal waste operations and offenders who view rural areas as easy targets. Those responsible leave others to bear the cost of their actions while causing lasting damage to the landscapes we value and depend upon. The NRCN has long championed stronger action against waste crime, calling for better coordination between enforcement agencies, tougher penalties for offenders, improved intelligence sharing and greater support for victims. These are priorities that I strongly support. In Dorset, we continue to work closely with partners, local authorities, landowners and rural communities through the Dorset Partnership Against Rural crime to tackle rural crime in all its forms. Preventing fly-tipping requires a combination of robust enforcement, effective reporting mechanisms and public awareness. It also requires a commitment to ensuring that rural communities receive the attention and resources they deserve. That is why I am proud to continue funding a dedicated fly-tipping enforcement officer within Dorset Council. This investment is already delivering tangible results, strengthening the council’s ability to investigate incidents, identify offenders and build robust cases that lead to meaningful enforcement action. In 2025, Dorset Council issued 80 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) for waste-related offences—almost double the number issued the previous year. Of these, 33 were specifically for fly-tipping offences, compared with 18 in 2024. These figures demonstrate a determined and proactive approach to tackling environmental crime and send a clear message that those who choose to blight our countryside and communities will be pursued and held accountable. This is not about symbolic action. It is about delivering real consequences for offenders and showing residents, farmers and landowners that Dorset will not tolerate waste crime and fly-tipping. More recently I have also joined with members of the Dorset Partnership Against Rural Crime to launch a summer green waste campaign encouraging members of the public to ensure they properly dispose of their green waste when clearing their gardens ready for summer. Find out more about the campaign here. I would encourage anyone who witnesses fly-tipping or suspicious waste activity to report it. Intelligence from local communities plays a vital role in helping agencies identify offenders and build a clearer picture of where problems are occurring. You can find out more about how to report on the Country Watch website. I am hugely proud of Dorset’s beautiful countryside. It supports livelihoods, provides spaces for recreation and wellbeing, and forms an essential part of our heritage. Protecting it from waste crime and fly-tipping must remain a shared responsibility. David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Message Sent By: Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner ------------------------------------------------------------------v Contact Centre Careers We’re sharing something a little different today – and we’d really appreciate your help spreading the word. Dorset Police is currently recruiting for Contact Officers and Dispatch & Contact Officers at our busy contact centres in Winfrith and Bournemouth. These are fantastic opportunities to start a rewarding career in policing, so if you know someone who might be interested, please feel free to pass this on. Our contact centre teams are at the heart of everything we do – supporting people across Dorset, often when they need us most. It’s a fast-paced and varied role where no two days (or calls) are the same. You’ll be part of a supportive team, working together to provide the best possible service to the public, and making a real difference every day. We provide full, comprehensive training, along with a salary of up to £35,829 per year and a wide range of benefits and support for all employees. To find out more or share this opportunity, please visit: Dorset Police Contact Management Thank you for your support. Message Sent By: Corporate Communications ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Neighbourhood Watch Volunteer Recognition Awards 2026 – Nominations Now Open! Our volunteers are the heart of Neighbourhood Watch. Every day, they make a positive impact in their communities by supporting neighbours, promoting community safety, tackling local issues, and helping to bring people together. Their commitment, passion, and hard work deserve to be recognised and celebrated. Do you know a Neighbourhood Watch volunteer who consistently goes above and beyond* This could be a local Scheme or Area Coordinator, a Cyberhood Watch Ambassador, a Membership Support Administrator (MSA), an Association Lead or committee member, a member of our Youth Council, or one of our Trustees. We also encourage nominations for our Young Volunteer Award, which recognises young people who champion Neighbourhood Watch values and make a meaningful contribution through their volunteering. The 2026 Volunteer Recognition Awards categories are: • Crime Prevention • Community Health and Wellbeing • Innovation and Reach • Young Volunteer • Special Recognition Award We are delighted to announce that nominations for the Neighbourhood Watch Volunteer Recognition Awards 2026 are now open. To nominate a volunteer, please click HERE. Nominations close on Sunday 5 July 2026. This is your opportunity to recognise the individuals whose dedication helps make our communities stronger, safer, and more connected. We look forward to receiving your nominations. Get nominating today! Message Sent By: Cheryl Spruce (NWN, Head of Membership & Community Engagement, England and Wales) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Warning for online shoppers after spike in criminals gaining unauthorised access to retailer accounts Report Fraud is urging online shoppers to stay alert for unusual activity on their accounts following a rise in criminals gaining access to buy expensive goods. Recent reporting highlights Argos as a key trend in this activity. Report Fraud has seen a significant increase in cases mentioning the retailer, reflecting how criminals are targeting well-known brands. Argos is actively working with authorities and its customers to identify suspicious activity and strengthen safeguards. Criminals are using login details obtained from data breaches to gain unauthorised access to retailer accounts. This is possible due to the practice of reusing the same password across multiple online accounts. Once they have control of the account, criminals will place online orders and then collect the good in-person at a physical store. In some instances, the goods are paid for using payment details not connected to the victim of the compromised account. These fraudulent orders are frequently fulfilled through ‘click and collect’, allowing offenders to retrieve goods in person. In May, Report Fraud received 652 reports which mention Argos, a 323 per cent increase compared to April, when 154 reports mentioning the retailer were made. Since the start of 2026, there have been 1,175 reports mentioning the retailer, with May seeing the highest number to date. Argos has been contacting customers who may have been affected and continues to work closely with partners and shoppers to help protect accounts and prevent further incidents. Detective Chief Inspector Steven Kettle, Head of Crime Services at Report Fraud, said: “Report Fraud urges anyone with online retail accounts to remain vigilant and be alert to any unusual or suspicious activity. “It is essential to take appropriate steps to protect your accounts by following Report Fraud’s guidance. If you believe you have been a victim of fraud, please report it to Report Fraud via reportfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.” How can you protect yourself* All shoppers with any retailer should take measures to protect their online account. Here is what you can do: Reset passwords: if you noticed any unauthorised activity on an online account, you should change your password immediately. You should also do this for any accounts that use the same password. A good way to make sure your passwords are secure and strong is to combine 3 random words to create a unique password. You should opt for a passkey if you can. Enable 2SV: whenever available, protect your online accounts by enabling 2-step verification (2SV). Shopping online: if you decide to create an account for the store you’re buying from, don’t allow them to store your bank details for future purchases. Any suspicious activity should be reported to Report Fraud as soon as possible at www.reportfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, victims of fraud and cybercrime should report to Police Scotland on 101. Message Sent By: Report Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National) - May 30, 2026 Have Your Say: Second Dorset Youth Survey launches Last week, I launched the second OPCC Youth Survey, inviting young people across Dorset who are aged under 25 to share their views. This survey is a key part of our youth participation strategy, ensuring young people’s voices directly shape our work, particularly around preventing violence and reducing harm. Last year, your feedback gave us vital insight into your experiences and concerns. It has already influenced the work of my Violence Reduction and Prevention Team and led to real investment in initiatives which are making a difference today. This year, we want to go further. This survey is your opportunity to see how your voice has led to action - and to help shape what comes next. Here are just some of the ways your feedback has made an impact: You said… you feel unsafe in certain places We listened. Dorset Police increased police patrols in hotspot areas, focusing on locations where crime is more likely to occur. This formed part of the Force’s hotspot policing approach, which targets areas based on evidence and data. Hotspot policing means more visible officers, on foot and in marked vehicles, where they are needed most. Over the past year: More than 9,000 hours of patrols were carried out in hotspot areas 213 stop and searches took place in these areas 147 arrests were made 69 weapons were seized You said… you want more support when violence happens We listened. We funded new services to support young people at risk of carrying weapons, as well as those who have already experienced harm. This includes emergency department youth workers in Bournemouth and Poole hospitals, funded in partnership with University Hospitals Dorset Charity. This initiative supports young people affected by violence, whether as victims, witnesses, or those at risk. We have also funded a Focused Deterrence Worker, who works directly with young people to understand risks and consequences, make safer choices and provide access to support such as education, training, or housing. The aim is to reduce harm and keep young people safe. The young people working with this service will also have regular contact with police officers to help to ensure that if someone causes harm, it is dealt with quickly and fairly. You said… you want better education on knife crime We listened. In the past year Dorset Police have delivered the FAKE (Firearms and Knife Education) programme in schools across the county, reaching 3,763 young people. These sessions are delivered by specialist firearms officers and discuss the law around carrying and using weapons, show the real-life impact of knife crime on individuals, families, and communities and explain what police do if they think someone is carrying a weapon. As well as the FAKE sessions, Dorset Police and my Office have worked closely with Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service and the British Army, to deliver a focused piece of work called Operation Guardian. These are targeted sessions which teach young people about knife crime alongside martial arts activities and provide a positive focus, building confidence and discipline. Looking ahead, we will also fund a virtual reality (VR) programme, giving young people an immersive way to understand the consequences of knife crime and anti-social behaviour. Your voice matters Everything you’ve read here started with young people speaking up. That’s why I’m encouraging as many young people under the age of 25 as possible to take part in this year’s survey. Your views will directly shape future action and investment across Dorset. Take the survey here: Youth Consultation 2026 Survey David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Message Sent By: Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner ------------------------------------------------------------------v FIFA World Cup Lottery Fraud I wanted to provide you with an update regarding Fraud, which people around your area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the priority survey. Beware of letters purporting to be from a FIFA World Cup Lottery. These are a form of lottery fraud please do not respond to any communication (letter, text, message, phone call) about a FIFA World Cup Lottery (or similar) in any way. The BBC previously issued the following warning: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-63793641 Key Indicators of the Fraud: You receive a notification for a lottery you never entered You may be asked to pay an "administrative fee" or provide bank details to release a prize Urgency/Secrecy Letters demand a reply within seven days and often instruct you to keep your "win" confidential Claimed locations are often in Switzerland or London but are fake or misused locations Scam mail is often personalised using the recipient's name throughout the letter, as well as on images such as certificates and cheques. Artwork uses seals or crest and fonts that suggest they come from a financial institution or official body Words like "guaranteed" or "100% genuine" are used and precise amounts of money are described Signatures claim to be from officials with senior ranking titles and identification numbers If you have been a victim of any type of fraud contact https://www.reportfraud.police.uk/ or call 0300 123 2040 For more information about lottery fraud: Lottery scams - Report Fraud For all official FIFA World Cup ticketing/merchandise etc: FIFA | The Home of Football As you have not contributed to the priority survey recently, we may be unaware of issues that you would like us to focus on. Please take a few minutes to securely and privately have your say using the button below, this will mean we can focus on things that matter to you. Please click here to complete the survey For further information regarding this issue, please refer to our website. Message Sent By: Damian Cranny (Dorset Police, Fraud Protect Officer, Dorset ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Member Offer - A Smarter Way to Keep Your Important Information Safe This is a promotional email sent in conjunction with our partner Is Everything Safe. As an impartial charity, Neighbourhood Watch does not endorse any one company above another. We strongly recommend that you read all terms and conditions before signing up to any subscription or product purchase. At Neighbourhood Watch we are always looking for practical ways to help people stay informed, connected and able to act. A digital document vault is a simple way to keep life’s most important information safe, organised, and easy to access. Instead of scattered paperwork or relying on one person to hold key details, everything is stored securely in one place. This includes wills, insurance documents, bank details, property records, contacts, and important reminders. It helps households stay organised, reduces stress in urgent situations, and ensures critical information can be accessed quickly when needed most. A digital document vault also improves security and resilience. Information is encrypted and protected from loss, damage, or unauthorised access, unlike paper files that can be misplaced or destroyed. It also allows trusted family members to be given access, ensuring important information is not held by only one individual. This helps households respond more quickly and confidently if circumstances change unexpectedly. Key benefits include: • All essentials in one place – documents, contacts, and records easy to find • Improved security – encrypted storage protects sensitive information • Shared access – trusted family members can access information when needed • Better preparedness – reminders ensure important dates and renewals aren’t missed • Reduced stress in emergencies – faster access to critical information when it matters most We have partnered with Is Everything Safe, a household continuity service that helps families keep essential records, reminders and shared information organised in one secure place. As Neighbourhood Watch members, you will receive £5 off your first year’s subscription. Visit the Is Everything Safe website via the Neighbourhood Watch link and use code OURWATCH at checkout. https://www.iseverythingsafe.com/partners/neighbourhood-watch Message Sent By: Emma Drozd (NWN, MSA, England & Wales) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Using AI safely and responsibly Dear Resident AI (Artificial Intelligence) has become part of daily life for most internet users. But are you confident that you and your family are using it safely and responsibly* This month's Get Safe Online campaign provides expert tips and advice on how to use AI safely and responsibly. You can read further information on our website using the link below, or by reading the attached leaflet. Artificial Intelligence - Get Safe Online Many thanks the Get Safe Online team ----------------------------------- Attachments -GSO_May26_AI_campaign_Leaflet.pdf Message Sent By: Get Safe Online May 22, 2026 Our approach to knife crime must remain relentless Knife crime devastates lives, families and communities, and while Dorset remains one of the safest places in the country, even one young person carrying a knife is one too many. That is why tackling knife crime and serious violence continues to be a major priority for me and my Office, and for everyone working across policing and community safety in Dorset. As we mark both Sceptre Week and Knife Crime Awareness Week, it is an important opportunity to highlight the ongoing work taking place across Dorset to prevent violence, remove dangerous weapons from our streets, and educate young people about the devastating consequences knife crime can have on individuals, families and communities. I understand why knife crime is a source of real concern for many people. These incidents can have tragic and lasting consequences, affecting victims, families and entire communities, making people feel unsafe. While it is crucial to acknowledge those fears and ensure we are listening, it is equally important that we focus on the facts, understand the broader policing context, and separate perception from reality. The latest Office for National Statistics data shows that Dorset Police recorded 221 knife-related offences between January and December 2025, down from 293 in 2024 - a reduction of 25 per cent. Dorset now has the lowest number of knife-related offences in the south west and the second lowest in England. But I want to go see these figures continue to reduce even further and will do all I can to achieve this. These figures reflect the hard work of Dorset Police, partner organisations, schools, charities and community groups across the county. But I know statistics only ever tell part of the story and that behind every offence is the potential for lives to be changed forever. That is why our approach must remain relentless, combining robust enforcement with prevention, education and early intervention. One of the most important areas of work we are supporting is focused deterrence. Through funding provided by my Office, a dedicated focused deterrence worker is embedded within Dorset Police, working directly with young people who may be at risk of carrying knives or becoming involved in violence. The aim is not simply to punish poor choices but to intervene early and provide support before those choices become life-changing mistakes. Young people are helped to access education, employment, housing and training opportunities, giving them positive pathways away from crime and violence. We are also investing in what are often described as “reachable moments” – opportunities to engage with young people at a critical point in their lives. Through a project co-funded by my Office, specialist youth workers are now based within emergency departments at Bournemouth and Poole hospitals. They work directly with 11 to 25-year-olds who attend hospital following violence-related incidents, offering immediate support and guidance at a time when they may be most open to change. This work is about breaking cycles of violence before they escalate further. Education is another crucial part of preventing knife crime. Dorset Police’s Firearms and Knife Education (FAKE) programme continues to deliver powerful sessions in schools, helping young people understand the realities and consequences of carrying weapons. Building on this work, my Office will soon launch an innovative virtual reality programme designed to give young people an immersive and realistic understanding of the consequences of knife crime and anti-social behaviour. By using technology in this way, we hope to engage young people in a meaningful and memorable way that encourages positive decision-making. Alongside education, we are continuing to support diversionary activities that give young people structure, confidence and trusted adult mentors. This includes initiatives such as non-contact boxing and watersports programmes, which not only provide positive activities but also help build resilience, discipline and self-esteem. We are also backing targeted early intervention programmes such as Level Up with the 100 and First Foundation, both of which support vulnerable young people who may be at risk of exclusion or exploitation. In addition, I continue to support charities such as Changes Are Made, founded by Tracy Jose following the tragic loss of her grandson, Cameron Hamilton. Organisations like this play a vital role in raising awareness and ensuring the devastating human impact of knife crime is never forgotten. Of course, prevention must always be matched by strong enforcement. Dorset Police continue to carry out proactive, intelligence-led operations across the county, including weapon sweeps, knife surrender schemes and action against those involved in illegal knife sales. This week, I have seen for myself the tough action Dorset Police is taking as part of their efforts to remove dangerous weapons from our streets and protect our communities from harm. I thank the Force for their continued efforts. I want to be very clear; one person carrying a knife is one too many. Through sustained partnership working, early intervention, education and robust policing, we can continue to protect Dorset and ensure more young people have the safer and brighter futures they deserve, keeping our county one of the safest places in the country. David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Message Sent By: Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner ------------------------------------------------------------------v Community Speed Watch - a powerful reminder of partnership Community Speed Watch is a powerful example of communities across Dorset working in partnership with the police to make our roads safer. Speeding remains a key concern raised by residents, and I understand these concerns - excessive speed puts lives at risk. What makes Community Speed Watch so valuable is its focus on prevention and education. Volunteers give their time to raise awareness, encourage responsible driving, and remind motorists that speed limits are there to protect everyone. Their work not only supports enforcement by Dorset Police but also helps to influence long-term behaviour change. I was pleased to visit some of these teams as part of a Community Speed Watch week of action recently (read more here) and remain continually impressed by the dedication of our volunteers and the positive impact they have in their communities. Today, I’d like to hand over the newsletter to one of our longest-serving volunteers, Sally Little, to tell us more about the work they do – and why it’s important. I started Community Speed Watch in Osmington back in 2013, when the initiative was still in its infancy here in Dorset. Our village sits on a very busy A road, with bends running all the way through it, and when vehicles travel too fast it quickly becomes dangerous. There’s only a narrow pavement on one side, so both drivers and pedestrians are at risk if drivers are speeding. For many of us, the concern is personal. My own driveway comes straight onto the road at a corner, and when pulling out, you have to open the window and listen carefully for oncoming traffic. We all know that stopping distances increase with speed, and that’s why what we do matters. It’s about educating drivers and influencing behaviour, encouraging people to slow down and stick to the speed limit. This isn’t just about protecting other road users; it’s also about protecting the drivers themselves and keeping the roads safe for everyone. We have built a great team in Osmington. We have four groups of volunteers and a regular routine in place. Everyone who joins is vetted and trained, and our Speed Watch locations are chosen by Dorset Police based on data and community reports. Each session requires at least three volunteers, so there are enough people to safely operate the equipment and accurately record any vehicles exceeding the limit. We often get people stopping to ask what we’re doing, and we always have leaflets on hand to explain how Community Speed Watch works. While we do occasionally receive negative comments, the overwhelming response from the community is supportive - after all, we’re all working towards the same goal of keeping people safe. At the end of each session, we submit our findings to our co-ordinator and from there, appropriate action is taken. A first offence results in a warning letter, a second brings a reminder, and a third can lead to a visit from the police. I always say our role is to educate, and to support the police in enforcing the law where necessary. What we do really does make a difference. When drivers see us in the village, it stays with them. It raises awareness of the speed limit and reinforces that there are consequences for ignoring it. We also benefit from strong support from Dorset Police, who visit our sessions and their visible police presence is incredibly important. For me, it all comes down to safety. We are residents looking out for our own community - our neighbours, our families, and the people walking through our village every day. Osmington is a close-knit place, and we take pride in looking out for one another. Community Speed Watch is one of the ways we do that - by working together to keep our village safe. Thank you very much to Sally, the team in Osmington and all the Community Speed Watch volunteers in Dorset. The work you do is truly valued and I thank you for being a vital part of keeping Dorset’s roads safe. By working together, we are sending a clear message that road safety is a shared responsibility, and through collective action we can help keep Dorset’s roads safe for all. David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner For more information about Community Speed Watch, see here Community Speedwatch | Dorset Police Message Sent By: Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Make Your Neighbourhood Safer: Report Empty Buildings If you run a business, you’ll know the impact crime can have. It can be devasting to both your staff and your bottom lineEmpty properties can quickly attract anti-social behaviour (ASB), affecting not just the building but the wider neighbourhood. Evidence across the UK shows that vacant, poorly managed buildings are more likely to experience vandalism, fly-tipping, trespassing and other nuisance activity. Even one neglected property can increase local complaints and reduce how safe residents feel. Empty buildings also signal neglect, which can encourage further disorder — often referred to as the “broken windows” effect. In contrast, occupied and well-maintained properties act as a deterrent, helping to prevent problems before they start. One effective solution is Property Guardianship. Carefully vetted individuals live or work in vacant buildings under temporary agreements, keeping them secure, occupied and maintained. Their presence provides natural surveillance, helping to reduce unauthorised access and ASB. How you can help Through Neighbourhood Watch’s partnership with Ad Hoc Property Management, members can now raise concerns about empty properties in their area. Reporting a vacant building is a simple step that can help: Reduce anti-social behaviour and nuisance activity Prevent vandalism, arson and illegal occupation Improve community safety and confidence Support faster action from property owners If you notice a vacant building that may be causing issues, you can complete a short form on the Neighbourhood Watch website. Report an empty building in your area | Neighbourhood Watch Network Where appropriate, the property owner will be contacted to explore options for securing and managing the building — helping to create safer, more settled neighbourhoods for everyone. Any income received by Neighbourhood Watch through this partnership will be used to support our work tackling the impact of anti-social behaviour across England and Wales., and it Message Sent By: Emma Drozd (NWN, MSA, England & Wales) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Unlicensed music events in Dorset We are aware of the significant impact unlicenced music events (raves) can have on our residents and we want to provide reassurance that we’re doing everything possible to prevent any illegal activity this bank holiday weekend. Officers will be stepping up preventative patrols at 11 locations, which may be vulnerable to unlicenced events taking place and we’ve been working very closely with land owners and other partners such as the Ministry of Defence to strengthen security arrangements. We would ask our communities to report unusual activity such as large groups arriving late at night or early morning to remote, industrial, rural or warehouse locations or significant convoys of vehicles or foot traffic in unusual places by calling us on 999. We are working hard to protect our countryside and prevent any impact of anti-social behaviour on local residents. Reporting to us at the earliest opportunity gives us the best possible opportunity to respond appropriately and ensure everyone in Dorset can have a good safe summer. Message Sent By: Media and Communications May 15, 2026 Supporting victims of complex and hidden crimes I’m pleased to share an important update on the work we are doing to strengthen the response to honour-based abuse across Dorset. Supporting victims of these complex and often hidden crimes requires not only commitment, but the right expertise and training for those on the frontline. That’s why my Office has worked closely with Dorset Police to help fund and organise specialist training in partnership with Karma Nirvana, a leading charity with deep experience in tackling honour-based abuse and supporting those affected. This training is designed to equip officers with a clearer understanding of the warning signs, the sensitivities involved, and crucially, how to respond in a way that protects victims and builds trust. By investing in this programme, we are taking a proactive step to ensure that victims in Dorset receive the informed, compassionate, and effective support they deserve. Tackling this complex issue is a key part of my Police and Crime Plan, and thanks to a successful bid in partnership with Karma Nirvana, we were awarded £5,000, which I was happy to support with additional funding to ensure 23 key officers and staff could receive this training and strengthen our response and awareness of these offences to better serve the Dorset public. Honour-based abuse involves violence and intimidation to protect or defend the perceived "honour" of a family or community, and it is often rooted in cultural or social beliefs about family reputation, control of behaviour and adherence to traditional norms. Forms of abuse include harassment, stalking, sexual violence, forced marriage and financial control. It is one of the most under-reported forms of abuse in the UK and is often hidden and can involve multiple perpetrators, complex family dynamics, and high levels of risk. All of this means it is a very challenging area for police officers and staff to address. This is why we looked to the charity Karma Nirvana for their extensive experience in delivering specialist training to police forces and safeguarding professionals. This experience was key, and has contributed to groundbreaking outcomes, including the first prosecutions under UK Forced Marriage legislation. It includes recognising signs of abuse that if missed can lead to homicide. The response from the officers and staff attending the three-day training event was overwhelmingly positive. They have described it as informative, engaging and impactful, with many gaining more confidence in recognising risk, and being provided with tools on how to offer advice to colleagues. Another attendee described the course as “one of, if not the, most enjoyable and tactically informative sessions I have ever attended”. For me, as your PCC, this proves that the Police and Crime Plan is working, with the work of my Office clearly making an impact, not just for the public, but also for hard-working Dorset Police officers and staff. Detective Chief Inspector Paul Graham, Dorset Police’s lead for honour-based abuse, said: “This bespoke training has provided these officers and staff members with an extremely valuable opportunity to broaden their understanding of this challenging area and equip them with the skills to effectively investigate cases of this nature moving forward. “Not only that, officers and staff will also be able to share their knowledge with colleagues from around the Force to ensure we have a more informed response as an organisation.” In Dorset, we are clear that honour-based abuse has no place in our communities. Victims must know they will be listened to, believed, and protected, and those responsible will be held to account. By investing in specialist training and working alongside expert organisations such as Karma Nirvana, we are strengthening Dorset’s ability to identify risk earlier, respond more effectively, and safeguard those most vulnerable. While there is more to do, this training marks another important step forward in delivering a stronger, more informed response for victims across Dorset and building safer communities for everyone. David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Message Sent By: Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner May 9, 2026 Still time to take the survey on Live Facial Recognition As many of you will be aware, I am currently inviting Dorset residents to take part in an important survey regarding the rollout of Live Facial Recognition (LFR) technology in the county. As your Police and Crime Commissioner, I believe it is essential that any decision involving new policing tools is informed by the views of the public we serve. This survey is an opportunity for you to share your thoughts, concerns, and expectations about how this technology may be used in our communities. Today, I want to give some more details about how Live Facial Recognition will be used in Dorset and provide some further information which I hope will answer any questions you may have. You can also visit Dorset Police’s webpage for more Live Facial Recognition | Dorset Police What is Live Facial Recognition* Live Facial Recognition is a technology that uses cameras to capture images of faces in real time, with these images then compared against a pre-determined database or watchlist of individuals who may be wanted by police or pose a risk to public safety. If a potential match is identified, officers then take appropriate action. The LFR watchlist This is very important, as I know there is a great deal of misinformation out there about how this technology is used. I want to be clear: Unless you are on the watchlist you cannot be matched. The predetermined watchlist which is created for each deployment, contains details of people who are wanted for crimes, subject to court orders or pose a risk to the public. When the technology finds a possible match, an alert is generated for officers to review and decide if stopping the individual is the correct course of action. How does it handle your data* A key concern for many people is privacy. It is important to be clear that images of individuals who do not match anyone on the watchlist are automatically and immediately deleted. If there is an incorrect alert, the information and image will be deleted straight away. Matches If a match is made by the technology, it will always be checked by an officer before any action is taken. Transparency and accountability Clear, accessible policies governing the use of Live Facial Recognition will be published so that the public can understand when, where, and how it may be deployed. In addition, Dorset Police will provide regular public reporting on its use, including outcomes, effectiveness, and any relevant oversight. Your right to privacy The use of live facial recognition technology by Dorset Police aims to keep the public safe, identify wanted offenders and protect the vulnerable. Dorset Police use transparency that demonstrates effectiveness, proportionality and compliance with legislation and guidelines when deploying live facial recognition technology. Why your input matters The use of LFR has the potential to support policing by helping locate wanted individuals, protect vulnerable people, and enhance public safety. However, it must be balanced with strong safeguards, transparency, and public trust. Your feedback as part of this survey is important, so I encourage you to take a few minutes to complete the survey and ensure your voice is heard. Take the survey here https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LFRsurvey David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Message Sent By: Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner -------------------------------------------- Crime and Policing Act 2026 welcomed by Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner The Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick, has welcomed the introduction of the Crime and Policing Act 2026, highlighting the opportunities it presents for tackling crime, antisocial behaviour, serious violence, and exploitation. Speaking about the new legislation, he said: “This is one of the most significant pieces of criminal justice legislation we have seen in recent years. Many of the measures reflect work that is already underway here in Dorset, particularly around tackling antisocial behaviour, strengthening neighbourhood policing, and improving support for victims and I am pleased to say that Dorset is already well placed to implement many of the changes set out in the Act.” The Commissioner went on to highlight certain important developments, particularly the expansion of drug testing on arrest as a key measure within the Act. “We know that drug misuse is a key driver of many crimes, from theft and antisocial behaviour to serious violence and that expanding drug testing on arrest is a positive step forward. It will allow police to test more offenders, across a wider range of offences and substances, and help identify those who need support. This is not just about enforcement - it is about intervention and breaking the cycle of offending by directing individuals into treatment at the earliest opportunity. “However, I do have some concerns about the lack of dedicated funding to support the expansion of drug-testing. Without sufficient resources - including officer time, custody capacity, and treatment services - there is a real risk that this policy will not achieve its full potential. “If the Government is serious about tackling drug-related crime and reducing reoffending, then funding must follow ambition. “I am also pleased to see that the Act has a strengthened focus on tackling violence against women and girls (VAWG). The measures in this Act are both necessary and long overdue. New offences and stronger powers to tackle behaviours such as spiking, stalking and abuse will help improve victim confidence and ensure offenders are brought to justice. “Here in Dorset, tackling VAWG is already a priority. We are working closely with partners to improve support for victims and increase reporting, and these legislative changes will absolutely strengthen that work further.” The Commissioner also highlighted the importance of new safeguards for children and vulnerable people and a very practical development that will deal with a specific type of anti-social behaviour. “I strongly welcome the additional measures to protect children from exploitation and abuse. The Act introduces new offences and duties around child criminal exploitation, grooming and safeguarding, alongside stronger requirements to report child sexual abuse. “Importantly, it recognises that children caught up in exploitation are victims first, not offenders. This reflects the approach we are already taking in Dorset, working with partners to identify risk early and intervene to protect those most vulnerable. “Finally, I would like to mention how the Act will make a very real difference to those who are having to deal with the nuisance of anti-social vehicle use. The Act has made provision to strengthen police powers to combat anti-social driving, with the removal of the requirement to issue a Section 59 warning before a vehicle can be seized. This will allow officers to act faster and more decisively. It means that vehicles being used in a way that causes alarm, distress or annoyance can be taken off the road immediately, and I know this will be a significant development for the individuals and groups across Dorset who have already raised this issue with me. This is a very practical change that I hope will make a real difference to the people and communities who continue to be affected by it.” Looking ahead, the Commissioner stressed that implementation will be key. “Legislation alone does not change outcomes. Delivery will depend on proper resourcing, strong local partnerships and a continued focus on prevention as well as enforcement and as such, I will continue to scrutinise the work of Dorset Police when it comes to the implementation of this new legislation and ensure that every opportunity is being taken by them to tackle a range of crimes that directly effect the people and communities of Dorset. “Overall, I welcome many aspects of the Crime and Policing Act 2026. It reflects the reality of modern crime and provides important tools to protect our communities.” Message Sent By: Katie Clark (Office of Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, Communication and Engagement Officer, Dorset) -------------------------------------------- Stay alert: romance fraud cost UK victims £102M last year. [#660247454] Victims of romance fraud lost more than £102 million last year, as criminals continue to exploit online relationships to manipulate people into transferring money. Analysis shows people aged 55 to 74 experienced the greatest financial losses, accounting for almost half of the total amount stolen. Although men submitted a higher number of reports overall, women experienced higher individual losses, making up just over 40 per cent of the total value reported. Romance fraud remains closely linked to online platforms, particularly social media and dating sites, where offenders can create convincing false identities. Investigators are also seeing increased use of AI-generated images and messages to support these profiles. In many cases, it is also linked to fake investment opportunities, including cryptocurrency, increasing the financial risk to victims. As part of this campaign, we are urging the public to stay cautious when forming relationships online and to recognise the warning signs: Be cautious of individuals who develop relationships very quickly or express strong feelings early on Be wary of excuses not to meet in person or to avoid live video calls Never send money, cryptocurrency or gift cards to someone you have not met face-to-face Be alert to requests linked to investments, medical emergencies or travel costs Speak to a trusted friend or family member if something feels unusual or pressured If you think that you have been targeted, please report it to Report Fraud at www.reportfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. Any suspicious activity should be reported to Report Fraud as soon as possible at www.reportfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, victims of fraud and cybercrime should report to Police Scotland on 101. Message Sent By: Report Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National) - April 10, 2026 Recognising gambling as a significant harm Last week, I was delighted to sign an important charter recognising the harm inflicted by gambling and pledging support for those affected. This charter, signed by Dorset Police in partnership with ARA – Recovery for All, is the first of its kind to be signed by any police force in the south west, and marks an important step forward in recognising gambling as a significant harm, alongside alcohol and drug addiction. Since I became Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset, I have been determined to strengthen the response for those affected by gambling-related harm. Having heard first-hand the impact harmful gambling can have, I know how it can lead to a range of other behaviours including crime-related issues if not recognised and addressed. That’s why, as PCC, as well as in my role as joint lead for the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners’ addictions and substance misuse portfolio, I have and remain committed to working with Government, local authorities and health partners to strengthen how we respond to gambling-related harm in Dorset and beyond. Gambling harm is increasingly recognised as both a public health and safeguarding issue. While many people gamble without issue, for others it can result in serious consequences including financial hardship, poor mental health, relationship breakdown and, in some cases, criminal behaviour. Nationally, gambling-related harm is estimated to cost England approximately £1.27 billion each year, and specifically, gambling-related crime costs £162million each year. This charter is important as it formalises a shared pledge to recognise the harm that gambling can cause, to raise awareness, and to ensure meaningful support is available to those affected. Crucially, it moves beyond recognition and into action, embedding practical measures across Dorset Police and my Office. For policing, the effects of gambling harm are often visible in the incidents which officers attend, ranging from acquisitive crime and domestic abuse to vulnerability and mental health crises. The Charter is designed to help officers and staff better identify when gambling may be a contributing factor, strengthening both safeguarding and preventative approaches. I’m really pleased that progress has already been made thanks to the strong partnership with ARA – Recovery For All. They already provide specialist support within Dorset custody suites, Out of Court Resolutions and victim services. This ensures that individuals who encounter policing services are able to access trusted, tailored recovery support when they need it most. Through this Charter, Dorset Police and the OPCC are committing to: Increasing awareness and understanding of gambling harms among officers and staff Improving recognition of the signs and risk factors associated with gambling addiction Ensuring individuals are appropriately signposted to specialist support services Embedding gambling harm considerations into wider safeguarding and prevention work The harmful consequences of gambling can have far-reaching effects. Through signing this Charter, I hope we send a clear signal that support is available for those affected, and that they don’t have to suffer in silence. This is the first step, and I am looking forward to seeing the progress we will make, strengthening our support and awareness for the benefit of our own workforce and the people of Dorset. David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Gambling Support: ARA – Recovery for All - Gambling Harms Services - Ara Recovery 4 All NHS – and signposting for other services - Help for problems with gambling - NHS Message Sent By: Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner -------------------------------------------- PCC launches Live Facial Recognition survey Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner has launched a survey, asking residents for their views on Live Facial Recognition (LFR) technology. The survey is asking members of the public who live in Dorset what they think about the technology ahead of its use in Dorset for the first time this summer. LFR vans can be used to detect crime, deter and find wanted criminals and protect people from harm. The technology compares a live camera feed against a secure, pre-determined watchlist which includes wanted people like sex offenders and perpetrators of domestic abuse. It analyses key facial features, comparing the live image against known faces in a database, generating possible matches. Officers make the final decision as to whether an individual is approached, with the technology in place to recommend who should be approached and why. When deployed, LFR vans will be clearly signposted, with upcoming locations publicised on the Dorset Police website and social media channels in advance. Images captured of people who are not on the pre-determined watchlist are instantly deleted forever from the system. Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “While I support the use of new technology which will help Dorset Police in the detection and apprehension of known offenders, a key part of my role as Dorset’s PCC is to ensure the use of technology such as LFR is properly and robustly scrutinised. I want to be very clear with the people of Dorset that this technology will be subject to strict safeguards to ensure fairness, transparency and privacy. “As your voice in policing, I believe we should support measures which can make us safer but there may also be concerns regarding use of new technology and I want to hear from Dorset residents to help Dorset Police understand the public’s views. “You can take part in the consultation here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LFRsurvey “Public confidence, transparency, and accountability are central to effective policing, and your feedback plays an important role in shaping how Dorset Police continue to serve our communities. Thank you for your help in keeping Dorset one of the safest places in the country.” The survey is open now and will close on May 14. For more information, visit Live Facial Recognition | Dorset Police David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Message Sent By: Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner April 10, 2026 Apply for funding to help tackle ASB in Dorset [#645217898] Recently, I launched my Op Relentless Community Fund, an opportunity for local groups and organisations across Dorset to apply for funding to help combat the harmful impact of anti-social behaviour (ASB). Launched in 2021, the fund is designed to support practical, community-led solutions which help to prevent and reduce anti-social behaviour by giving local organisations the tools and resources they need to make a lasting difference. Since its inception, more than £210,000 has been awarded across five funding rounds to 53 projects in 49 locations across Dorset. These initiatives range from community outreach programmes and mentoring schemes to sports and skills-based activities and CCTV, all focused on tackling the root causes and impact of anti-social behaviour. I am committed to empowering communities across Dorset to deliver the solutions they know will be most effective locally, strengthening neighbourhoods and safeguarding vulnerable people. Projects funded through Operation Relentless are a vital part of this work to tackle anti-social behaviour, which is now at its lowest level in Dorset for 16 years. For example, following the installation of funded CCTV at Top Club Littlemoor, reported ASB incidents in the area fell by 80%. Results like this demonstrate why tackling both the causes and impacts of ASB remains a key priority in my Police and Crime Plan. By working in partnership, we can better protect Dorset residents from the persistent harm ASB can cause, while continuing to improve outcomes for victims. The Op Relentless fund supports initiatives that engage young people, divert individuals away from violence or criminality, and build resilience within local communities through practical solutions. I want to be very clear that we welcome applications from a range of organisations including: Youth groups Community groups Charitable organisations Community Interest Companies (CICs) Previously, successful applications have included Weymouth Skatepark, which offered reduced cost sessions to 216 young people, BCHA helped five people with addiction complete a Restart programme, AFC Bournemouth delivered 230 hours of one-to-one mentoring for at risk young people and the Sailing Training Trust supported eight young people through their sailing training project. Funding has also been delivered to groups for CCTV, securing hotspot areas and funding other practical solutions. These are just a handful of the projects I have been delighted to support, and I am excited to do even more, delivering proper interventions and support to keep communities safe. Before you apply, we would ask you to ensure your project is focused on reducing ASB and increasing public safety. The full funding guidelines are available on the website, where you’re also able to check if your organisation meets the eligibility criteria. I really believe this is a great opportunity for organisations to secure funding for initiatives that strengthen communities and create safer environments for everyone. Through investing in people, partnerships, and communities, this fund gives local organisations the opportunity to make a real difference where it matters most – Dorset’s communities. Help be a part of the positive action being taken in our county to tackle ASB – and keep Dorset one of the safest places in the country to live, work and visit. Operation Relentless Community Fund - Anti Social Behaviour · Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner David Sidwick Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Message Sent By: Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner -------------------------------------------- Appeal for witnesses following serious collision in Christchurch [#647288874] Officers are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward following a serious collision in Christchurch. At around 6pm on Wednesday 8 April 2026, a two-vehicle collision occurred involving a red Skoda Citigo and a white and black Honda motorbike on the A35 Lyndhurst Road at Roeshot Hill. The rider of the motorbike – a man aged in his 20s – and the male car driver, aged in his 60s, were both taken to hospital for treatment to serious injuries. Police Constable Lauren Hobkirk, of the Roads Policing Team, said: “I am appealing to anyone who saw what happened and has not already spoken to police to please come forward. “I understand a number of people stopped to help at the scene before police arrival and I would urge them to please get in touch. “Also, I am keen to hear from anyone who may have captured the collision, or moments leading up to it, on dashcam footage.” Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police online or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55260049751. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online using its website or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111. Message Sent By: Media and Communications - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Criminals stole over £879 million through investment fraud in 2025. Victims of investment fraud lost an average of £1,675 every minute last year, new figures from the City of London Police, the National Lead Force for Fraud, have revealed. Criminals stole £879.8 million through investment fraud last year - an average of £2.4 million a day. In 2025, 34,673 people reported investment fraud to Report Fraud, the national service that replaced Action Fraud in December 2025. This marks a 31 per cent rise on the previous year. The rise in reporting is not only linked to an increase in investment fraud, but also due to the point at which victims realise what has happened. Reports began climbing steadily from March and spiked in July and September when many people review their investments, move money into new products or check their returns ahead of the new financial year. As part of wider fraud-prevention work, we are urging the public to take simple steps to protect themselves. Before making any investment, use the FCA’s firm checker tool, to confirm whether a firm or individual is authorised. The tool can be accessed via the FCA website and is one of the most effective ways to avoid cloned firms and bogus advisers. We encourage anyone considering an investment to be cautious of unsolicited messages, adverts promising unusually high returns, or requests to keep the offer “confidential”. You can also contact the Financial Conduct Authority’s consumer helpline on 0800 111 6768 or report suspicious businesses or individuals by using the reporting form on their website. Any suspicious activity should be reported to Report Fraud as soon as possible at www.reportfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, victims of fraud and cybercrime should report to Police Scotland on 101. Message Sent By: Report Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National) - April 3, 3036 Operation Relentless Community Fund returns to help tackle ASB The Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner is inviting community groups and organisations across Dorset to apply for the next round of the Operation Relentless Community Fund. The fund supports projects that help prevent and tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB), strengthen communities, and protect vulnerable people. It forms part of the PCC’s ongoing work to address ASB in Dorset, which is now at its lowest level of reported incidents in 16 years. Grants are available to support initiatives that engage young people, divert individuals away from violence or criminality, and build resilience within local communities. Voluntary and community sector organisations, charities, and other eligible groups are encouraged to apply. The Operation Relentless Community Fund has previously supported a wide range of projects across Dorset including but not limited to; diversionary activities for young people including football training, skateboarding and sailing, employability support for those who have been to prison and community outreach work. Details on eligibility, application criteria, and deadlines are available via the Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner’s website. Message Sent By: Dorset Neighbourhood Engagement Team - Home  Copyright ©2008 All rights reserved Design by reducetherisk.com