Category: Crimewatch

Additional specially-trained officers will be dedicated to victims and those who commit domestic abuse for the duration of the Euro 2016 football games.

From Friday 10 June to Sunday 10 July 2016, officers will be conducting extra reassurance visits to high-risk victims to ensure they continue to be safe.

In addition, police will be targeting serial perpetrators of domestic abuse and ensuring effective safeguarding measures are put in place in relation to children and vulnerable adults. Known offenders of domestic abuse can also expect to receive a police visit to ensure they are abiding by any special conditions or court orders.

There is an average of 498 domestic abuse incidents a month across Dorset and reports of domestic abuse tend to increase when major sporting tournaments take place. Detective Inspector Fiona Gaffney said: “It is a priority for Dorset Police to support victims of domestic abuse, encourage the reporting of these crimes and ensure those who inflict abuse are brought to justice.

“Alcohol can play a part in domestic abuse. If you commit an act of domestic abuse, you will be arrested and could face a significant custodial sentence.”

With support from Women’s Aid, 800 police officers and staff are also receiving additional domestic abuse training including guidance following the introduction of new domestic abuse legislation in December 2015, which includes coercive and controlling behaviour as a criminal offence.

Teresa Parker from Women’s Aid said: “Women’s Aid runs a campaign called Football United Against Domestic Violence, where we work with the footballing community to raise awareness of domestic abuse and send out the message that it is never acceptable.

“Football does not cause domestic abuse, but there can be increased reporting of abuse during big tournaments. With factors such as increased alcohol consumption and the heightened emotions associated with football meaning that existing abuse can be exacerbated.

“We know the importance of providing training to the police about domestic abuse, delivering alongside police trainers to ensure our content is as relevant and practical as possible. We need to work together to ensure the standardisation of the police response to domestic abuse across force areas, not just at the time of the Euros, but throughout the year.”

Fiona Gaffney adds: “Dorset Police is committed to preventing coercive and controlling offences as well as serious violent crimes. Perpetrators need to know that these coercive and controlling behaviours are now criminal and we will pursue and prosecute.

“Along with our own experienced and specially-trained officers who investigate these offences, we also work in close partnership with other support agencies who can offer support, advice and guidance. In addition, the police have powers through Domestic Violence Protection Notices and Orders, to bar suspected perpetrators of domestic violence from contacting a victim and stop them returning to a victim’s home.

“I strongly encourage anybody experiencing any form of domestic abuse to report it and seek help.”

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, Martyn Underhill, said: “Reports of domestic abuse traditionally increase during major sporting events and it is right that we put additional resources in place to support victims and prosecute offenders.

“We are now able to offer tailored courses to male domestic abuse victims as well as Freedom courses to female victims, along with specialist counselling to child victims of domestic abuse. Domestic abuse is all about control and I would encourage victims to speak out – you do not have to suffer in silence.”

For more information on support services available throughout Dorset visit: www.dorsetforyou.com/dvahelp.

Useful Contacts:

Dorset Police: 101 (In an emergency always dial 999)                                             

National Support for Victims:
National DV Helpline (24 hour): 0808 2000247
National Men’s Advice Line (for male victims): 0808 8010327

For young people experiencing abuse visit: www.thisisabuse.direct.gov.uk for advice and support. 

Dorset Police is launching their 2016 summer drink and drug driving campaign today, Friday 10 June 2016 that will run until Sunday 10 July 2016. This will coincide with the 2016 UEFA European Championship taking place in France.

Drivers are being reminded that the consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can be devastating. With the Euro 2016 football competition starting on 10 June, police expect more people than usual will be out enjoying a drink.

Throughout the month-long summer drink and drug operation, officers will be requesting breath tests from all drivers involved in road traffic collisions, irrespective of whether or not they suspect an offence.

Drivers can expect to be tested during routine stop checks and if they are stopped for an offence. Field Impairment Tests (FIT) will be conducted on drivers suspected of being unfit to drive through drugs.

This is the first of two campaigns this year, following on from the 2015 Christmas drink and drug driving campaign when 110,226 motorists were breathalysed with 5,543 (5.02 per cent) either testing positive, refusing to provide a breath test or failing their test by blowing over the legal limit. There were also 1,888 drug screening device tests administered, 931 of which (49.31 per cent) were positive.

Inspector Matt Butler from the Alliance Road Policing team, said: “With nice summer evenings and Euro 2016 starting today, I would ask those planning to go out for a few drinks to consider how you’re going to get home beforehand.

“Drink driving can be devastating. Alcohol impairs many of the functions necessary for safe driving; reaction times go up and spatial awareness is significantly reduced.

“It is important to note that many matches kick off at 8pm, including two of England’s group matches. Motorists may still be over the limit the next morning. Remember, you don’t have to be drunk to be a drink driver.”

Chief Inspector Adrian Leisk, Head of the Alliance Roads Policing team across Devon, Cornwall and Dorset Police, said: “People convicted of drink or drug driving can expect to be banned from driving for at least 12 months, receive a fine of up to £5,000 and/or six months in prison.

“When someone dies as a result of a collision involving a drink or drug driver, sentences can carry a penalty of up to ten years in prison. Don’t risk it, it’s never worth it.”

As in previous campaigns, anyone charged with a drink or drug driving-related offence during the campaign will have their name and court appearance details released to the media. Custody images of those convicted could also be issued.

You can follow the campaign progress on Twitter using #DPSummerdrinkdrive.

For non-urgent matters, or to pass information about someone who regularly drives under the influence of drugs or alcohol, please go to www.dorset.police.uk and follow the ‘Do it online’ function. Here you can pass all the details to us via the online enquiry form. You can also email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or call 101.

Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Please follow the link below to see a copy of the latest newsletter from the Neighbourhood Policing Team –

Neighbourhood Policing Team Newsletter June 2016

Businesses are being contacted for the sale of goods or services by fraudsters, who request to pay by cheque. The fraudster sends a cheque with a higher value than the amount expected, and then sends the business a request for the difference with instructions on how it should be paid back. This is usually by bank transfer or through a money transfer service, such as Western Union or PaySafe. Once the ‘refund’ has been provided, it is realised that the cheque provided was fraudulent and no funds are credited to the business’s account.

The NFIB has seen an increase of 84% in the number of counterfeit cheque frauds reported to Action Fraud since November 2015. Criminals are targeting a wide range of services including paintings or other artwork, photography and lessons, with various amounts requested to be refunded.  The average amount requested to be refunded is £1,818. The highest amount requested was over £80,000.

The suspects have used pressure tactics to persuade victims to refund the amounts immediately prior to the cheques clearing.

Crime Prevention Advice

• Be cautious of payments where the amount provided is higher than expected. Refuse to provide the service unless the correct balance is received or wait until the cheque has cleared before refunding the difference.
• Always contact banks on a trusted number found on their website or correspondence that is known to be authentic to confirm whether the cheque has cleared.
• Do not feel pressured to provide a refund before the cheque has cleared.

If you have been affected by this, or any other scam, report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040, or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk

Good afternoon,

We are sad to report that there has been a theft of saddles in the Dorchester area.
Taken overnight on the 2nd June.
Crime ref number is 55160083768. Please contact us if you are offered any of these for sale or spot them on websites etc…

Can we please take this opportunity to remind everyone to look at their security measures and remember, we do offer a free tack marking service. This may not stop it being stolen but it does mean we can reunite it if we find it.

NEW
17 Harry Dabbs Avant Jump,Brown, Serial no.: 60394…
17 Harry Dabbs IB GP Serial no.: 60390
17.5 Kent & Masters Cob GP Serial no.: 33155
17 Kent & Masters Compact GP Serial no.: 33116
17 Kent & Masters Flat Back GP
16.5 Harry Dabbs Hunter GP, Brown Serial no.:60068
17.5 Harry Dabbs Classic GP, English Panel, Black
16.5 Jeffries Liberty GP Brown
17 Harry Dabbs Avant XL Deep Jump, Black Serial no.:60203

SECONDHAND
17.5 Silhouette GP Black
18 Barnsby Endurance, Brown Serial no.: F8184
17.5 Albion VSD Black
17.5 Frank Baines Reflex Dressage Black
17.5 Farrington GP Black
17.5 Ideal 1650 GP Black

Fake Charity Collectors.

Dorset Police have been contacted by a local animal charity that fake collectors have been operating in the area of Shillingstone. We advise members of the public check identification of collectors before donating. If in doubt contact the charity direct to confirm they are legitimate. All fake collectors should be reported to Dorset Police immediately.

Thank You,

Blandford NPT

Dorset Police and Trading Standards are holding a Doorstep Crime Engagement Day on Wednesday 01 June 2016, to inform the public on how to prevent themselves from falling victim to rogue traders and distraction burglars in the county.

Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) and Trading Standards Officers will be engaging with people at locations including banks, supermarkets and shopping centres, to make people think: ‘be sure who’s at your door.’

Doorstep crime is when criminals cold call at someone’s house and commit rogue trader offences or distraction burglary.

Rogue traders are people who offer gardening work or maintenance services at attractive rates, but carry out work which is substandard, unnecessary or overpriced. They often use persuasive sales techniques to encourage people into making hasty decisions.

Distraction burglars will knock at your door and appear to be a legitimate person. They may say they’re a neighbour who’s looking for a lost ball, a representative from a utility company (water, gas, electricity or telephone) or even an official, including a police officer or council official.

The bogus person makes up a story to gain entry into a property and will often distract you whilst they or an accomplice steals personal or valuable items including purses, wallets, jewellery and cash.

Members of the public are invited to meet their officers from their local Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) and Trading Standards Officers, from 9am to 1pm, at events in the following locations:

• Blandford Forum: Tesco, Stour Park, DT11 9PU
• Bournemouth (Moordown): Co-op store, Wimborne Road, BH9 2BN
• Bournemouth (Southbourne): Lloyds Bank, 2 Southbourne Grove, BH6 3RP
• Bournemouth (Westbourne): NatWest Bank, 86 Poole Road, BH4 9EF
• Bridport: TSB, 9 West Street, DT6 3QL
• Christchurch: Saxon Square Shopping Centre, BH23 1QA
• Dorchester: Barclays Bank, 10 South Street, DT1 1BT
• Gillingham: Waitrose, Chantry Fields, SP8 4UA
• Poole: B&Q, Fleets Lane, Fleetsbridge, BH15 3BN
• Shaftesbury: Tesco, Christy’s Lane, SP7 8PF
• Stalbridge: Dike & Son, Ring Street, DT10 2RG
• Wareham: Sainsbury’s, South Street, BH20 4NX
• Wimborne: Waitrose, Rowlands Hill, BH21 1AN
• Weymouth: Sainsbury’s, Mercury Road, DT3 5BJ

Inspector Ernie Henley, said: “Our engagement day aims to make as many people as possible aware of what doorstep crime is and how to avoid becoming a victim.

“We want to provide help and advice to the public in order to prevent them, or people they know, from becoming victims to distraction burglary and rogue traders. All too often, the most vulnerable members of our communities fall prey to these criminals.

“Dorset Police is working with our partner agencies to protect the public from such crimes and bring offenders to justice.

“We’d like to encourage everyone to come along to one of our events and speak to their local Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT)and Trading Standards officers about doorstep crime, or anything else you wish to know about.

“We would like to thank the various businesses across Dorset for allowing us to use their facilities to help us get this important message out to our communities.”

James Norman, Regulatory Team Manager at Trading Standards added: “Rogue traders prey on the most vulnerable in society, conning them out of vast sums of money for unnecessary and overpriced work.

“In many cases this is their life savings. When someone falls foul of a rogue trading scam, research shows it has a seriously detrimental effect on the victim’s health and their confidence.

“If you need a trader to carry out any work around your home, however small, visit our Buy with Confidence website to find a Trading Standards Approved Trusted Trader.”