New police chief Inspector Steve Marsh aims to keep crime down (From Dorset Echo)

New police chief Inspector Steve Marsh aims to keep crime down

12:50pm Friday 19th October 2012 in News By Harry Hogger

NEW ROLE: Inspector Steve Marsh

Dorchester’s new police chief has vowed to do all he can to keep crime rates in the town low.

Inspector Steve Marsh said he wants to maintain Dorchester’s status as a safe place to live and has warned to crack down on anyone who ‘steps out of line’.

Insp Marsh has taken over from Insp Les Fry, who has taken up a similar position in Weymouth and Portland after nine years in the county town.

The new inspector, who served with the Metropolitan Police in London for over 20 years before moving to Dorset in 2009 as control room inspector and then with the Olympics, has vowed to build on the work of his predecessor.

He said: “I am very pleased to be here. I know Dorchester is ultimately a safe town and a good place to work and live. I am keen to make sure that continues.”

Insp Marsh said although crime rates were relatively low in the town, it did not mean anyone committing offences would be treated lightly.

He said: “Just because Dorchester has a low crime rate it doesn’t mean those who commit crimes won’t be dealt with firmly by police.

“One thing I’m keen to do is deal quickly and effectively with people that step out of line.

“I don’t want people to think we are ignoring crime because it is at a low level, that’s not an excuse not to deal with it.”

Insp Marsh said one area of focus he wanted to continue to work on was the crackdown on rural crime in areas around Dorchester.

He said: “One of the challenges we face is dealing with issues not just in the Dorchester area but in the rural community that surrounds it with the resources we have got.

“Rural crime continues to be something we are extremely keen to clamp down on.”

Have fun but stay respectful
ONE of the first challenges facing the new inspector is tackling anti-social behaviour over Halloween and bonfire night.

With Halloween this year coinciding with the school half term, Insp Marsh wants to send a message out to youngsters in the town to enjoy themselves but at the same time, make sure they respect other residents.

He said: “While we want youngsters in particular to have a good time we are really keen that they don’t act in an anti-social manner and they respect others in the community that don’t participate in trick or treating on bonfire night.”