Dorset taxi safety scheme wins award

Dorset’s Sexual Trauma and Recovery Service (STARS) has received county-level recognition.
STARS Dorset is a key partner of the Dorset Police Taxi Watch initiative, which has been recognised with the Watch Group Award 2025 at this year’s Dorset Police Citizens in Policing Awards.

The award, which recognises the Taxi Watch Group that has contributed to community safety over the past 12 months, was collected on behalf of the STARS Dorset team by Engagement Team Leader Stephanie Lee.

Taxi Watch was established in 2024 to strengthen partnership working between the Bournemouth Taxi Association, Dorset Police and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, with a particular focus on safeguarding, violence against women and girls, and county lines awareness. STARS Dorset joined the partnership as it expanded through 2025.

Stephanie Lee, engagement team leader at STARS Dorset, said: “This award is a real testament to what can be achieved when professional partners genuinely work together with a shared purpose. For our team at STARS Dorset, being part of Taxi Watch has been about making sure that taxi drivers, who are often first to spot the signs of exploitation or harm, feel equipped and confident to act. We’re incredibly proud of the progress made and grateful to everyone involved in building this initiative into something so impactful.”