A BOURNEMOUTH partnership has been launched to reduce organised crime and improve community safety.

Dorset Police will be working on Bournemouth Together alongside the Police and Crime Commissioner, BCP Council and other agencies.

The project will utilise the ‘clear, hold and build strategy’ to increase targeted activity to reduce problematic crimes in the town including drug offences, shoplifting and anti-social behaviour.

David Sidwick, Dorset PCC (Image: Newsquest)

Dorset PCC, David Sidwick, said since the project launched in March, 49 arrests have already been made.

‘Clear’ will see crime disruption conducted by Dorset Police through enhanced visible patrols, arrests, warrants and the use of dispersal powers.

‘Hold’ will focus on stabilising the area and “denying the chance for criminals to come back”.

‘Build’ is community-driven action to address the causes of crime and to prevent it from happening again.

Mr Sidwick said the partnership will be addressing key issues while building a safer town.

“The public named Bournemouth Together,” he said.

“We are all in this together and we need the public to tell us what they see and report it.”

He added in the past year eight new police operations have been launched, including Operation Shopkeeper to tackle shoplifting.

Established operations are also beginning to see “really good results” such as Operation Nightjar and Operation Scorpion which focuses on the night-time economy.

Sophie Sajic, head of public protection for BCP Council (Image: Newsquest)

Head of public protection for BCP Council, Sophie Sajic, said while the police focus on arrests, the council will be working towards a problem solving approach.

This includes encouraging reporting and tackling systemic issues through work with organisations such as St Mungo’s and the Bournemouth BID.

“It is about making people aware of what we are doing,” she said.

“An initiative to bring up the area and to make it feel loved.”

She added the recent mural installed in Braidley Road hopes to improve the area and increase footfall which will reduce crime as a result.

Chief inspector Darren Harris, Neighbourhood Policing lead for BCP local policing area, said: “We hope that the work we’re doing in Bournemouth reassures residents that we take their reports seriously.

“We want Bournemouth to be a place where our communities can feel safe, free of concerns about crime and anti-social behaviour, and we will continue to work with our partners to tackle organised crime and build resilient communities.”

Reports can be made to Dorset Police through its website, via 101, or 999 in an emergency.

Anonymous reports can be made through Crimestoppers website or on 0800 555 111.