TWO new police patrol boats will be hitting Dorset's coasts and rivers as the force bolsters its fleet.

Two inshore Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) have joined the police's marine section fleet under lease from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).

The marine section is based at Poole Quay but has recently opened a second base at Portland.

Inspector Alan Ewart, of the Dorset Police Marine Section, said: "We are delighted with the RIBs.

"To deliver waterborne policing, our highly-skilled officers must be equipped with the right craft and equipment, and these boats are a great addition to the section.

"The improved reliability provided by the new boats means that the marine community of Dorset will benefit from an improved police presence on the water.

"The marine section officers on board the new boats will be ready to respond quickly to incidents and will be present up and down the waterways of the county to deter any would-be criminals."

Marine police officers are responsible for stopping crimes such as theft and anti-social behaviour on the water and they provide a link between the force and the marine community.

Teams patrol waterways and respond to incidents including searching for missing people.

The RNLI has worked with the force to adapt the craft for police needs rather than for saving lives at sea.

Dorset Police business project manager Paul Chick said: "This is a huge benefit to the force and the marine community.

"The RNLI is regarded as one of the world leaders in building and maintaining craft and operates to the highest possible standards.

"It will provide us with reliable boats that will be expertly maintained, ensuring we are able to concentrate on what we do best, making Dorset even safer."