Stay Safe Season: Officers Step Up Patrols Across Dorset During Busy December

Dorset Police officers and staff carried out an extensive programme of high-visibility patrols across the county in December as part of ongoing efforts to keep communities safe during the winter months.

 

Figures from the past month highlight the scale of proactive hotspot policing activity, with officers logging 1,197 foot patrols on the My Patrols App. This equates to 52,988 minutes – or 883 hours – of patrol time, with the average patrol lasting 44 minutes.

 

Throughout December, officers and staff engaged directly with 5,262 members of the public, offering reassurance, advice and support. In addition, 1,236 business premises were visited to strengthen relationships with local traders and address any concerns.

 

Proactive policing also led to 92 anti-social behaviour incidents being self-deployed to, resolved and prevented from escalating. Officers submitted 55 pieces of intelligence, conducted 17 stop searches, and issued 16 dispersal notices to maintain public safety.

 

Enforcement activity during the month resulted in 14 arrests, the seizure of 8 edged weapons, and 7 community resolutions being issued.

 

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said:

“December is always a busy time, and our officers and staff worked tirelessly to ensure residents, businesses and visitors felt safe throughout the festive and winter period. High-visibility patrols play a key role in preventing crime, tackling anti-social behaviour and providing reassurance within our communities.”

 

Dorset Police will continue to maintain a strong presence across the county during the colder, wintery months.

 

Members of the public are urged to continue reporting incidents. If police don’t know about an issue, they can’t take action. Reports can be made via the Dorset Police website or by calling 101. In an emergency, or if there is danger to life, always call 999.