A NEW vision has been outlined for the future of tackling crime in Dorset, with the chief constable pledging to “switch the misery” from victims of crime to those perpetrating.

Dorset Police Chief Constable Scott Chilton took part in a foot patrol from Horseshoe Common to Bournemouth town centre and into Lower Gardens yesterday – engaging with members of the public to hear their thoughts on his plans to be “tough on crime”.

The Echo joined him as he outlined pledges to clamp down on anti-social behaviour, increase the visibility of the force, more convictions, more officers on the streets, as well as tackle invisible offences such as cyber crime.

The Leeds-born official was clear that every resource would be used to target the “small number of people” committing crime in the region by creating a “hostile environment” for them.

Mr Chilton, who was appointed in August last year, told the Echo: “What we’ve been hearing from the public is that they want their police to be tough on crime and that’s the plan I’ve got as CC moving forward. We’re going to make sure that victims are listened to.

“Policing is stretched, that’s the reality, but it’s so important that members of the community see the police out and about – it gives them a feeling of confidence and security. I’ll be putting more officers on our streets.

“I am committed to creating a hostile environment for criminals in Dorset, we will switch the misery from those victims of crime to those who cause pain by tackling them head on.”

When asked why this new vision was being implemented now, Mr Chilton said: “I wouldn’t say police have had a soft touch recently, but it is now about ensuring we have absolute clarity on what our purpose is.

Bournemouth Echo: Dorset Police Chief Constable Scott ChiltonDorset Police Chief Constable Scott Chilton

“We’re here to please but not to solve every problem that is going on in society and I think it’s about making sure that I put the right resources into the right areas to make sure we are as tough as we can be on crime.

“My hope is the public will join me in making Dorset the safest place to live, work and visit in the country.”

While in Lower Gardens, Mr Chilton met a man named Kennedy Waweru. The 55-year-old father of one, originally from Kenya, was recognised by officers accompanying the CC and the two were introduced.

Bournemouth Echo: Dorset Police Chief Constable Scott Chilton and Bournemouth man Kennedy WaweruDorset Police Chief Constable Scott Chilton and Bournemouth man Kennedy Waweru

Following a lengthy conversation, Mr Waweru told the Echo how his life had been saved by Dorset Police officers who treated him with care and dignity while he was going through a severe alcohol addiction.

Now more than three years sober, Mr Waweru said he was “blessed” to have met CC Chilton so he could tell him what officers did for him. He said: “The police know me and they know the changes I’ve made from when I used to be in their cells 24/7. Now, when I see them I say ‘thank you for saving my life’.”

After meeting Mr Waweru, CC Chilton commented: “That’s what it’s all about.”

Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “I wholeheartedly welcome the Chief Constable’s policing vision for Dorset and I am particularly pleased that the vision reflects my own Police and Crime Plan. I very much support the approach of being tough on crime.”

“The Police and Crime Plan is based on what the people of Dorset told me was important to them when I was campaigning to become PCC – this now is reflected in the Chief Constable’s vision for Dorset and therefore links the needs of the people through to the delivery of policing on our streets, across the whole county.

“The vision clearly states that Dorset Police will be tougher on crime, a key element when it comes to achieving our shared ambition to make Dorset the safest county.”