CRIME in a Weymouth neighbourhood has been more than halved following the setting up of a community group.

Between April 1 and June 1 last year there were 69 crimes reported to police in the Park district.

But between the same dates this year the figure dropped to 31.

Now the Partners and Communities Together group, set up in April, has been held up as an example to the Home Office of how graffiti should be tackled.

Just this weekend three suspected vandals were arrested after PACT members sent photographs of graffiti tags' to police.

PACT Park District chairman Dave Burchill said: "We aim to make the area among the best places to live in Weymouth and Portland.

"Our proximity to the beach and town centre means that we help to shape the impressions that visitors to the borough take with them, especially in the run-up to the Olympics.

"Partners are already working hard to deliver results. There's some way yet to go, but we will get there.

"Alongside the Waterside Forum, we want residents to get out of their homes and work together to build on the community spirit we have locally.

"Up to a third of Park District residents move out of the area within a year of moving here, so this has proven a challenge. As we make the Park a more attractive place in which to live, no doubt people will stay for longer."

PC Mike Green, who helped found PACT, said: "By April next year, Dorset Police Western Division plans to set up 22 similar teams in every neighbourhood across Bridport, Dorchester, Sherborne, Weymouth and Portland.

"This is part of our commitment to improve the quality of life for all. I congratulate the Park District team for the early results already delivered.

"Safer Neighbourhood Teams give residents named points of contact within the police. We work jointly with local agencies to tackle problems voted by residents to be of key concern."

The next PACT public meeting is on Monday, July 23 at 7pm in the Park Community Centre, Chelmsford Street, Weymouth.

All local residents and business people are invited to attend.

To find out more, contact vice-chairman James Atanasov on 07887 953120.