DRUG dealers taking over the lives of vulnerable people in Weymouth was among the issues investigated by the county’s police boss.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset Martyn Underhill spent a day in the resort listening to concerns of residents and meeting individuals on a walkabout.

He came to town to host a community day which also provided an opportunity to hear thoughts on a possible increase in the force’s share of the precept.

Among the issues Mr Underhill heard about when he visited Weymouth was the problem of ‘cuckooing’ and was given first-hand accounts by victims.

This is a term used to describe how a persons’ home can be taken over by drug dealers to provide a base whilst in the area. Invariably these dealers are from large towns like London or Liverpool and the people they target are vulnerable for reasons such as drug habits or due to their mental health, educational needs or disability.

The problem has also been highlighted during police operations in Bridport.

Mr Underhill said: “These dealers easily identify those they can prey on. We met with a man who was himself a drug user and his need for a fix was used as a means of taking over both his home and his life.

“Within days of the dealers meeting him, he was pressured into delivering drugs for them out of fear of what they would do to him if did not comply. Now the police are aware of his situation regular checks are being made on him and other vulnerable adults in the Weymouth area.”

Mr Underhill also walked through the town centre with members of the Neighbourhood Policing team to see first-hand the problem of street drinkers and beggars in the area.

He also spent some time with members of staff from his office who were running a consultation on the policing element of the council tax at Morrisons supermarket.

The purpose of this was is to see whether residents of Dorset would support an increase.

A possible increase of 1.99 per cent – £3.74 for a Band D property – has been suggested.

This could raise a total of £1,031,374 – the equivalent of 30 police officers.

Details of the consultation can be found at dorsetpoliceprecept.com