Battle against crime in Littlemoor (From Dorset Echo)

Battle against crime in Littlemoor

2:30pm Saturday 2nd March 2013 in News

THE community is coming together to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour on a troubled estate.

Community leaders and representatives from Dorset Police, Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, Synergy Housing and Dorset County Council have announced an open meeting for all those with an interest in issues plaguing Littlemoor.

A dispersal order is now in place for the area in a new clampdown to help police tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.

Police and councils have joined forces for the Section 30 lockdown to give officers more power to deal with crime on the Weymouth estate alongside other powers that have been brought in recently.

It allows police to disperse groups of two or more people who are acting anti-socially, or who are likely to cause distress to other people.

The move comes after a spate of vehicle break-ins and arson attacks on cars in the area, with more than a dozen arrests in recent weeks.

The meeting will inform people about the work that has gone on in recent weeks and what has been achieved in tackling issues, such as crime and anti-social behaviour.

Weymouth and Portland Inspector Les Fry said: “A great deal of work is taking place on the estate to address the issues highlighted to us by residents.

“This meeting gives us the opportunity to directly update the residents regarding the action we have taken so far and what action is planned for the future.”

He added: “Residents who attend the meeting will also have the chance to air their views and ask questions.

“This meeting provides a great opportunity for the people of Littlemoor to influence the action we take in the future. We are listening to the community.”

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council spokesman for Community Safety, Geoff Petherick, said that the work that residents and partners had put into tackling anti-social behaviour in the area had been ‘very positive’.

He said: “There will be an opportunity for people to put forward their thoughts and views about dealing with issues that arise and I would really encourage the public to come along.”

Borough councillor for Littlemoor, Mark Tewkesbury, said the meetings highlighted the ‘positive community spirit’ in the area and provided a platform for residents to share ‘their views on dealing with issues of anti-social behaviour to build a safer neighbourhood.’ The community meeting will be held at 7.30pm on Wednesday, March 6, at St Francis Church, Littlemoor and not at Bincombe Court as previously advertised.

Residents urged to sign up

LITTLEMOOR residents are being urged to sign up for community messaging and Home Watch schemes.

Households that join will get information from the police about local incidents, crime prevention advice and details of meetings and events in the area.

The Littlemoor Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) has teamed up with the Community Safety Team from Weymouth and Portland Borough Council to launch the initiatives.

Weymouth and Portland Inspector Les Fry said: “Home Watch helps Dorset Police to keep our communities informed of what is going on and allows members to inform us of what is happening in their areas.

“There have been numerous incidents where people have been arrested and crime prevented or detected as a result of a phone call to the police by a Home Watch member.

“The real aim is to create a friendly, pleasant environment for residents, one where everybody knows, and looks out for, each other. It helps bring the community together.”

Residents will be sent an information and application pack and are encouraged to join.

For more information contact Littlemoor SNT on 101 or email littlemoorsnt@dorset.pnn police.uk