POLICE in North Dorset say increased foot patrols and community contact points are paying dividends, with officers clocking up thousands of minutes on the beat and reporting strong public support.

Residents in Blandford were able to speak directly with officers this week as PC Tom Clements attended a community contact point at the M&S Foodhall.

These sessions, which are advertised in advance on social media, are part of a wider push by the policing team to be more visible and accessible.

According to figures recorded using the force’s My Patrol App, officers carried out 78 foot patrols in Blandford over the past 30 days alone – totalling 4,486 minutes on patrol.

During that time, police say they prevented incidents of antisocial behaviour, deterred shoplifting, safeguarded vulnerable people and dealt with drug-related offences.

Officers also visited licensed premises and community buildings and spoke with large numbers of residents about their concerns.

The force says the response from the public has been overwhelmingly positive, with teams welcoming the chance to spend more time on foot, gathering local intelligence and building relationships within the community.

Similar patrols have been taking place across North Dorset, including in Gillingham, Shaftesbury and Sturminster Newton, as well as in surrounding villages and hamlets.

Police say the combination of regular foot patrols and community contact points will continue and are encouraging residents to report incidents and concerns to help officers target the right areas at the right times.

Non-emergency issues can be reported online or via 101, while emergencies should always be reported by calling 999.