Authorities are reminding residents not to touch discarded needles if they see them lying in the street.

Instead residents should contact Dorset Waste Partnership at Dorset Council so they can be cleaned up as soon as possible.

A spokesman for Dorset Council said: “Hazardous waste such as discarded needles can occasionally be found across the country. Although it’s a national issue, we would like to remind people that if you ever see one, do not touch, unless it poses an immediate danger. If you see a syringe or needle is on public land please report it immediately so a clean-up can be arranged as soon as possible.”

The Echo has been reporting on the problem of discarded needles.

Recent cases include a needle found in Weymouth Cemetery. A mum spoke of her shock after coming across the needle whilst walking her daughter to school. It was later disposed of by Dorset Waste Partnership.

Other needles have been found in parks, on footpaths and on beaches.

Martyn Underhill, Dorset’s Police and Crime Commissioner, is calling for supervised drug consumption rooms to be introduced.

The aim of the rooms is for drug users to inject in a safe environment with sterilised equipment and medical help.

He also claims they would help reduce needle littering and problems associated with public drug use.

If you find a drugs needle you can either report online at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/syringes or call Dorset Waste Partnership on 01305 221040.