POLICE officers walked London streets to find out how the capital's way of dealing with rough sleepers could help Dorchester's homeless.

Inspector Les Fry of Dorchester Police and PC Kevin House, the town's Safer Neighbourhood Team leader, spent a day with the Metropolitan Police.

Insp Fry said: "It was very useful. It was a long day but we got a lot out of it seeing how they manage the problem there and looking at ways we could apply that best practice to Dorchester's own problem with rough sleepers."

The Dorset officers also met the City of Westminster council team and visited a charity that operates in a similar way to Dorchester's own Hub which offers services for rough sleepers.

Insp Fry said: "Our day started at 7am when we saw the City of Westminster council workers hosing down the streets after the rough sleepers. And we met Big Issue sellers.

"There's a significantly bigger problem in London but I'm optimistic that we can learn from what they're doing there. The City of Westminster council has a new strategy for rough sleepers - published last week - and we'll be studying that to see what good practices we could apply to Dorchester."

The two officers wore plain clothes and were accompanied by a Metropolitan Police officer. They will return to London next week with representatives from the Hub and the local housing authority.

Insp Fry said: "The situation in Dorchester has improved significantly recently but there are peaks and troughs.

"Some days we have real problems with rough sleepers and other days no problems at all.

"We need to work with the Hub to make sure issues are kept to the minimum."

The Hub offers a range of services to rough sleepers including showers, laundry facilities, a hot midday meal and support and advice in issues including health and accommodation.

Police have stated their concern that the Hub drew homeless people to the town, swelling numbers on Dorchester streets.

But the Hub manager Bob Matthews promised at the charity's annual general meeting in May that the team would run a tight ship to reduce the problems.