News

Poole's Crime and Disorder partnership have just published their third Crime and Drugs Audit. The audit looks at crime statistics in Poole over the last three years and for the first time ever, now includes statistics regarding drug use.

The findings show that anti-social behaviour, vandalism and criminal damage are still the number one concern for residents. Other key findings reveal that although arson figures have gone down, it remains a cause for concern because of the Borough's large areas of heathland.

On the plus side, there was a 5% drop in reported vehicle crime and a significant drop of 30% in dwelling burglary figures. Both of these crime types have been tackled by a dedicated Task Group during the last three years, with pleasing results.

Councillor Chris Bulteel, Chairman of Poole's Crime and Disorder Partnership Board, said: "Definite links were found between anti-social behaviour, alcohol and violence and we need to continue to look at ways to stop low level anti-social behaviour turning into more serious incidents. Poole now has a dedicated full-time Anti-Social Behaviour Co-ordinator and also a Community Warden to help us tackle these issues."

The audit also showed a rise in violence although this can be partly attributed to the way violence is recorded, for example, Anti-Social Behaviour Orders are civil matters until breached. They then become a criminal matter and all breaches are recorded under violent crime.

Superintendent Darren Curtis, Poole Divisional Commander, Dorset Police, said: "This is the third audit that has been undertaken in Poole. However, since the last one three years ago, there have been some major changes. The new system builds on the previous two crime audits and has allowed for a comprehensive drugs audit to be included which follows key themes contained in the National Drugs Strategy."

The next steps for the Partnership are to consult with the general public and other agencies and explain the audit's findings. The consultation events will be taking place the week of the 15 November and will be advertised locally nearer the time. Information from the consultation events will be used to decide what the priorities should be over the next three years.