Residents living near the Great Dorset Steam Fair site and who have crime concerns are being invited to talk to local police officers.

The popular fair is at the 600-acre Tarrant Hinton showground near Blandford, running from Thursday, August 22 to Bank Holiday Monday, August 26.

It showcases Britain’s rich industrial, agricultural and leisure history, and attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year.

A spokesman for North and East Dorset Rural Police said: “Generally speaking, we find that there are no marked increases in crime over the weeks surrounding the event. If you do have concerns, and would like to speak with the Neighbourhood Police Team in person, we are holding a police surgery at Verwood Police Station on Monday August 19 between 6pm and 8pm. We will be offering crime prevention advice to those that require it.”