East Dorset Rural

Poaching and associated offending

Location:
Sixpenny Handley

Issue:
Poaching activity has re-emerged within the area and is being accompanied by related offences, including the intimidation of farmers and landowners, criminal damage, and the use of catapults. This behaviour is having a significant impact on the rural community, causing concern, distress and fear of crime among those affected.

Planned action to tackle this issue:
- A seasonal winter plan has been activated to tackle winter rural offending.
- Operation Ragwort is in place which sees regional forces come together to tackle organised rural crime.
- Operational Galileo is also in effect to solely tackle poaching.
- There is a use of proactive policing powers to maximise disruption, prevent offending and bring offenders to justice
- Engage with all elements of the community with visible connected policing

October update:
- This is a newly refreshed priority for the area and updates will follow

Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB)

Location;
Various Locations across Verwood.

Issue:
While overall crime has reduced, reports of anti-social behaviour have increased. This continued rise is negatively affecting the quality of life of local residents and contributing to heightened perceptions and fear of crime across the area.

Planned action to tackle this issue:
- Work in partnership with the local authority and housing providers to address anti-social behaviour and its underlying causes.
- Engage with local schools to educate young people about the impact of anti-social behaviour on individuals and the wider community.
- Continue to encourage reporting and engage with the public through community contact points, face-to-face engagement, and online channels.
- Work with the local authority and Youth Offending Team to identify appropriate interventions and deliver consequences for children involved in anti-social behaviour.
- Develop intelligence and take positive action against those responsible for persistent anti-social behaviour.
- Provide visible patrols and targeted engagement to reassure residents and address community concerns.

October update:
- This is a newly refreshed priority for the area and updates will follow