THREE properties in Somerford have been issued full closure orders as part of Dorset Police’s aim to tackle anti-social behaviour in the area.

The force has also obtained an anti-social behaviour injunction which prohibits a person from engaging in anti-social behaviour and issued three notices to pursue future possession of premises.

This action follows concerns from residents over drug-related activity, anti-social behaviour and violent crime in Somerford.

Neighbourhood policing and enforcement officers took targeted action in the area on August 14, conducting three stop searches, logging five intelligence reports, and carrying out five disruption surveys.

A 25-year-old man from Bournemouth was arrested on suspicion of being involved in supplying class A drugs and driving offences – suspected cocaine, cash, and his vehicle were seized.

A second man, 32, was also arrested and charged with theft and using threatening language.

Activity across following days saw officers conduct 12 address checks on vulnerable individuals, complete eight disruption surveys, and assist with a closure order on Hunt Road.

A woman received a community resolution for drug possession, and a man was arrested for failing to appear in court.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: “An engagement event also generated intelligence logs, safeguarded vulnerable people, and received positive public feedback.

“Partner agencies will continue to carry out further engagement activity involving high-visibility policing and plain-clothed activity.

Councillor Kieron Wilson, member for housing and regulatory services at BCP Council, said: “Criminality and anti-social behaviour have no place in the BCP area, and the council is committedly working with Dorset Police, Sovereign Network Group and other partners to tackle these issues, both in Somerford and across the wider area.

“Issues like these can only be addressed if properly reported, and agencies can’t act on information shared on social media alone.

“If not reported correctly, there’s a risk incidents won’t be captured, so we ask residents to please accurately report issues via the correct channels.”

Neighbourhood Inspector Dan Cullen, of Bournemouth East and Christchurch police, said: “Over recent months we have been working hard to tackle the issues that matter most to the residents of Somerford.

“Working with our partner agencies, we have been carrying out activity to disrupt and deter ASB and improve community safety.

“It is vitally important to us all that we continue our efforts going forward to ensure that residents and visitors of Somerford can enjoy their time in the area.

“We would encourage anyone who wishes to pass on information or report any concerns to please speak to a member of the neighbourhood policing team.”

Work in the community

The force has also collaborated with the housing association Sovereign Network Group (SNG), Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch Council (BCP) and local schools to see where their efforts should be focused.

As part of this, £5,000 has been allocated to combat anti-social behaviour with the launch of the Safer Somerford programme.

The programme includes initiatives such as a community clean-up to remove waste and maintain overgrown crime hotspots, a number of community engagement exercises, youth outreach via community arts charity Vita Nova who will create a Key Stage 2 performance for local primary schools, using drama to address themes like county lines, cuckooing and addiction.

ANG organised a community clean-up day on June 6 around Hunt Road and Dorset Road to clear litter and fly-tipping hotspots, as well as trimming grass and hedges to improve green spaces.

Diane Humphries, SNG’s community investment and partnership lead for Dorset, said: “SNG is far more than just a housing association; we work to create strong and safe communities where residents can thrive and feel a part of.

“Working with partners in local authorities, community organisations and the police enables us to achieve far more collectively than any of us could acting alone.

“The funding we have had from Dorset’s Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner also plays an important part in that mission and to making a safer community in Somerford.”

The public are encouraged to keep an eye out for upcoming events, including the Vita Nova community drama workshop and performance (September – October), and the Community Clean-Up and Awareness Raising event (October half-term).

Community involvement and engagement is vital to the success of these initiatives, so we encourage residents to participate in upcoming community meetings, provide feedback on ongoing projects across the Somerford Estate to SNG, and actively report crime and anti-social behaviour.

For information and how to report crimes, visit https://shorturl.at/MzhDv