Business, Crime | Posted on November 20th, 2025 | return to news

Arrests made in Dorset Police action week

The aim of the week from Monday 10 to Sunday 16 November was to help tackle retail crime across the county.

A total of 13 arrests were made, nine Section 35 dispersal notices were issued, and seven stop searches were conducted when Dorset Police took part in The Safer Business Action Week.

From Monday 10 to Sunday 16 November, the force also took part in seven partnership meetings and officers held five community contact points.

Coordinated by the National Business Crime Centre (NBCC), the aim was to support business owners and security staff with advice, guidance and tools to help protect their business or retail premises from being a target for crime.

Officers had partnership meetings with the Business Improvement Districts (BIDs); visited shops to offer crime prevention advice and guidance; increased patrols in hotspot areas, including officers in plain clothes; targeted active offenders in shops they are known to visit; and engaged with local business owners and retailers, encouraging them to report incidents.

The overarching aim of the week was to strengthen the partnerships with police, businesses, private security, Business Crime Reduction Partnerships and Business Improvement Districts to continue to reduce crime.

Positive outcomes from the week of action included the arrest of two suspected shoplifters and the recovery of over £500-worth of suspected stolen goods in the Dorchester area. Furthermore, a multi-agency day of action in Poole – which included partnership working with SWL Security, Dolphin Centre security and Poole BID – saw neighbourhood policing officers make an arrest and issue several Section 35 dispersal notices as well as multiple out-of-court disposals for shoplifting offences.

Inspector Dan Cullen, of Dorset Police, said: “We remain committed to reducing retail and business crime, and so this week of action has seen us engage with the business community across Dorset to ensure they are being well supported as we approach the busy Christmas period.

“We endeavour to build positive relationships with business owners and target those who seek to cause harm to shops and businesses.

“While this week has marked a specific enhanced response, this type of activity does take place all year round as officers work day-to-day to tackle issues facing business owners and consumers.

“If you witness crime in the business community, either as an owner or customer, then please report it to us so we can take the necessary steps to tackle it.”

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “Safer Business Action Week is a valuable reminder of how much we can achieve when we work together to make Dorset a safer place for everyone.

“Our local businesses are at the heart of our communities, and it’s vital that they feel supported and protected. We take business crime extremely seriously – from theft and fraud to abuse of staff – and we are committed to tackling it through strong partnership working as demonstrated through the Dorset Safer Business Partnership, robust enforcement and effective prevention. By sharing information, building trust and confidence, and taking a united approach, we can reduce crime, support victims, and create a safe and thriving environment for businesses to thrive.”

Dorset Police can carry out crime prevention surveys on commercial properties. For more information, please contact: crimereductionwest@dorset.pnn.police.uk. For further help and advice on business safety, please visit www.dorset.police.uk/business.