ANTISOCIAL behaviour in Dorchester will not be tolerated - that was the message today from the town's new police chief.

Inspector Les Fry has taken over as the town's top policeman from Inspector Andy Mason, who has retired from Dorset Police.

As he settled into his new role, Insp Fry sent out a stark warning to people to behave or risk having an Antisocial Behaviour Orders (ASBOs) imposed on them.

"I aim to tackle anti social behaviour - I don't see it as a problem in Dorchester but it is common everywhere you go, and it affects people's quality of life.

"Antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated and I am looking towards probably pursuing ASBOs as a way to stamp the problem out."

Insp Fry, who has moved from Wareham, said ASBOs had been used several times in the Purbeck area, with great success.

"An ASBO restricts the movement of people and prevents them from committing further crime, which is of benefit to the community and to the person who is subject to it because it reduces the opportunity to commit crime."

A former West Dorset dairy farmer, Insp Fry has been with Dorset Police for the last 13 years.

"Joining the police force was something that I had always fancied doing and so I decided to go for it. I definitely made the right move, especially with all the problems the farming industry has experienced in recent years."

He is married with four children and has worked across the county including a stint with CID in Weymouth and as a Weymouth patrol sergeant.

Dorset born and bred, he says he is looking forward to working in Dorchester.

He said: "This area is home to me and I am looking forward to working with people in the town to make it an even better place to live."

Insp Fry said he is very much in favour of having CCTV in Dorchester.

"Having worked as a patrol sergeant in Weymouth I know CCTV can be the difference between catching the offender and getting a conviction.

"I will do all I can to help the town secure CCTV," he added.