Bridport

Anti-social use of vehicles

Location:
West Bay

Issue:
Vehicles are being used and driven in an anti-social manner around West Bay causing annoyance and distress to local residents

Planned action to tackle this issue:
- Targeted patrols at key times (local officers and specialist teams)
- Robust enforcement action where evidence allows, including warning notices and vehicle seizures
- Partnership working with Dorset Council and other key agencies to look at long term solutions

July update:
- This issue remains a local priority for the team due to the harm it causes to the local community and we will continue to focus our efforts in the area
- In the last month we have conducted regular patrols, attended a town council meeting and prioritised the issue in our Partnership Co-ordination Group (PCG) meeting
- We also continue to work with the council Highways department to explore long term environmental design changes, which would help deter the issue from ocurring in the area

June update:
- Local officers are regularly conducting targeted patrols in West Bay at key times
- A further Section 59 notice issued (this is a warning notice regarding anti-social use of vehicles and applies to both the driver and the specific vehicle, allowing for seizure if further anti-social driving/behaviour occurs within 12 months)
- A "VDRS" (Vehicle Defect Rectification Scheme) notice was issued to a driver failing to display a number plate - this notice can be utilised for minor vehicle defects and the driver has to provide proof of repair/rectification within 14 days

May update:
- After speaking with parish clerk at the council, we will be organising some dedicated community engagement with those affected and the wider community
- We have recently reviewed a number of incidents of dangerous driving and have issued a number of Section 59 notices (these are warning notices regarding anti-social use of vehicles and applies to both the driver and the specific vehicle, allowing for seizure if further anti-social driving/behaviour occurs within 12 months)
- We are developing further tactical options to tackle this issue and liaising with the County Council in relation to some design ideas the reduce this issue

Shoplifting

Location:
Bridport town centre (South Street, East Street and West Street)

Issue:
There is an emerging crime series of theft with a prolific offender causing harm to staff, customers and the wider community

Planned action to tackle this issue:
- Targeted high-visibility patrols at key times and locations
- Monthly deployment of the Mobile Police Station (MPS) in the town centre
- Plain clothed operations and intelligence gathering
- Multi-agency problem solving with local business owners, the Business Improvement District (BID) and other partner agencies
- Relevant updates being shared via social media and our Dorset Alert system to reassure local residents of the work we are doing

July update:
- This is a newly recorded priority for the area (we have already identified a suspect involved and will provide further updates soon)