DORSET’S Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill was all ears as he met with victims of crime in Dorchester.

Mr Underhill, pictured right, held a forum for victims in the West Dorset, Weymouth and Portland area at Dorchester’s Corn Exchange.

The event was designed to help him learn from their experiences and ensure that the needs of victims in Dorset are being met.

A victim support officer was present and the feedback will now be used to help define victim services in the county.

Following the forum Mr Underhill also held surgery sessions throughout the afternoon for people who have been victims of more serious crimes who did not feel comfortable sharing their experiences in a group setting. Mr Underhill said the event was all about learning from both the things that the police had done right and what they have done wrong and vowed to take action following the forum.

He said: “As always this forum was an excellent way for me to learn about good practice and also learn about times when things went wrong.

“I’ve taken away six actions involving three different agencies which I will follow up for the victims of Dorset. I’ve heard really good things about how the police deal with victims but I’ve also heard about systems that went wrong along the line.”

Denize Darragh from Victim Support added: “I was really impressed with today.

“The forum is the ideal platform for victims to talk about their journey across the criminal justice system.

“It’s the right place to address where things went wrong and when things went right.

“It gives victims a chance to be given answers and explanations and it gives the PCC an opportunity to listen to victims firsthand and follow up issues.”