A FORMER Royal Marine has taken over as head of police at Blandford and his vision includes tackling drug issues and antisocial behaviour.

Insp Tim Lumley said he plans to carry on the community-style policing which the town has come to expect.

The father-of-three has worked in Bournemouth division and at Dorset Police HQ at Winfrith where he was force firearms officer.

He recognises the differences between policing in Bournemouth and the rural area which Blandford serves.

"I think expectations are different in urban areas," he said.

"The people who walk in are itinerant - language students and holidaymakers - whereas Blandford is a more settled community.

"But the product should be the same - we need to tailor our policing style."

Blandford has hit the headlines as a centre of drug-dealing and vandalism is an on-going problem.

"Blandford has been highlighted in the past but the cases have all been investigated by Dorset police," the inspector said.

"Yes, it does have drug issues but they mirror drugs issues throughout Dorset and throughout the country.

"What we are committed to is tackling this issue, working in partnership with voluntary agencies and North Dorset District Council to prevent and deter people - particularly youngsters.

"Antisocial behaviour is very much there. It's about quality of life.

"The public of Blandford want to have confidence their property isn't going to be damaged and the property owned by the municipal public isn't going to be damaged.

"We're actually targeting individuals and we will continue to pursue that policy.

"My vision would be in line with our priorities - reduction in burglaries, violent crime and in anti-social behaviour and offering what I think is a good community-based style of policing for the future.

"I want build on the foundation that (outgoing inspector) Dave Cregg made.

"I have managed to walk into a very good working police station which is a credit to him.

"I'm really pleased to be here because I think Blandford is a really nice town and they will be seeing me out there on a regular basis."

First published: November 19