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Dorset Police has launched two new mobile police stations, which will tour the county at consistent locations and dates throughout the month.
The vehicles are operated by police community support officers with members of the public able to report crime, anti-social behaviour, intelligence or suspicious incidents, receive crime prevention advice or raise any policing related concerns to their neighbourhood team.
The western vehicle, based at Dorchester, will visit the Cornhill Market area of Dorchester on the first Tuesday of the month, Sherborne Co-op at Westbridge Park on the first Thursday, Bridport Morrisons on the second Tuesday, Marine Parade in Lyme Regis on the second Thursday, the main beach car park in Swanage on the third Tuesday and finally Streche Road car park in Wareham every third Thursday of the month.
Meanwhile the eastern vehicle, based at Ferndown, will visit Sainsbury’s Ferndown on the first Tuesday of the month, Verwood Memorial Hall on the first Thursday, the Allendale Community Centre in Wimborne on the second Tuesday, Shaftesbury Lidl on the second Thursday, Christchurch retail park on the third Thursday and finally Highcliffe Cliff Top car park on the third Thursday of the month.
The vehicles will be at each location between 11am and 1pm each day but times are subject to change – outside of these events they will be attending various engagement events across the county. Members of the public can find out the latest updates on any change to these times via the Force’s website – www.dorset.police.uk/MPS
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Callaghan, of Dorset Police, said: “We’ve been working hard over the last few months to bring these two mobile police stations to locations that see high footfall in some of our more rural locations to ensure as many people as possible have access to a member of their local neighbourhood policing team.
“The vehicles will operate throughout the year, come rain or shine and include an awning and inside seating area for any member of the public who may wish to discuss a matter more discretely.
“This new way to engage with us builds on the success of the hundreds of pop-up community contact points held across the Force throughout the year.
“With mobile police stations, community contact points, the online website portal, calls to 101 and 999 in an emergency, request a call back facility, social media channels for every area across the Force, as well as enquiry offices at Bournemouth, Weymouth and Blandford, there is a range of options for members of the public to engage with us.
Supported by community infrastructure levy funding from Dorset Council, the eastern vehicle is fully electric helping to support the Force’s ambitions to utilise environmentally friendly options where appropriate.
Cllr Richard Biggs, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Property & Assets and Economic Growth at Dorset Council said: “It was great to look round both Mobile Police Station vehicles and in particular the electric vehicle supplied via developer contributions. I know they it has already been put to great use in our communities in the east of the county and very well received.”
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick, said: “I am really pleased to see these two mobile police stations now in action.
“While the way the public engage with policing is constantly changing, I know the one constant people want to see is more officers, staff and volunteers out and about, ready to talk to them and listen to their concerns – and these vehicles will enable Dorset Police to do just that.
“As well as delivering on my Police and Crime Plan commitment to Make Policing More Visible and Connected, I am pleased to have made good on my pledge to bring policing closer to people. In this instance, these mobile police stations will be where the people are – not in remote buildings which are hard to reach, but in busy areas, which are easily accessible.
“Having set days for mobile police station visits each month mean the public know where and when they can speak to an officer, and this builds upon the success of the pop-up Community Contact Points which have already proved their worth.
“While Dorset continues to be one of the safest places in the country, it is vital that people feel safe, and I hope having a consistent, regular opportunity to raise issues and discuss concerns with officers demonstrates our commitment to listening and providing a reassuring and visible presence across our county.”
Members of the public are encouraged to follow their local policing team on social media or visit the Dorset Police website for the latest updates on the mobile police stations and neighbourhood policing activity in their area.
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