The installation of CCTV cameras at a youth club in Weymouth has seen anti-social behaviour in that area almost completely 'wiped off the map', it is claimed.

A camera was installed at Top Club, in Littlemoor, in May of last year thanks to funding from the Police and Crime Commissioner and the Big4Littlemoor group.

The Echo had previously reported that there had been a significant drop off in anti-social behaviour (ASB) in the area after just a couple of months of the new camera being installed.

Now just over six months on, the club's chair James Knott-Fancy has revealed that there has been just one recorded incident of ASB at the club on Louviers Road.

He said: "We were getting anti-social behaviour around the club, roughly one or two nights every week and it has dropped right off - just one in last six months – it's amazing.

"It was part funded by the grant from the Police and Crime Commissioner with £5,000 and from Big 4 Littlemoor who gave us a grant for another £5,000.

"They were installed around May of last summer and it has pretty much wiped it off the map and we can't thank them enough."

Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick has also been out celebrating the success of other initiatives across the county that have benefitted from the same funding received by Top Club.

The Operation Relentless Community Fund is designed to be used to help tackle and prevent anti-social behaviour (ASB) and is provided by the Police and Crime Commissioner.

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Mr Sidwick said: "Over the past few days, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting some of the people across Dorset who are intent on making a difference to their communities and seizing the opportunity to enact positive change.

"I know the detrimental impact ASB can have on communities and individuals, and that is why I am so intent on driving down offences which cause harm to the people of Dorset.

"Tackling ASB is a key part of my Police and Crime Plan and through this fund, I have seen the positive impact Op Relentless projects are making across the county.

"These initiatives are seeing real results as well, as the residents of Littlemoor can attest.

"I am proud that the money granted through Op Relentless gives people the power to come together and tackle issues in such an effective way for their communities."

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Since its conception in 2021, the fund has supported 31 organisations across the county with more than £117,000.

Successful applications have ranged from £100 to £5000, and have seen the installation of CCTV cameras, community outreach work and projects for young people, including skateboarding sessions and gym memberships.

The latest round of funding also saw Charlton Down Cricket Club, near Dorchester,  install new CCTV cameras on their premises following issues with littering and the presence of items relating to drugs and alcohol.

There have also been incidents involving damage to property at the site.

Mr Sidwick added: "I am pleased this funding will enable those from the cricket club to feel their premises are safer thanks to the new security measures."

In Weymouth, the town council also used the funding for two Security Industry Authority (SIA) staff that supported the existing Resort Team for eight weeks over summer.

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The Commissioner continued: "These patrols will help to create high visibility and a sense of safety for visitors and residents to the town.

"The key objectives of the SIA workers are to address ASB, provide intelligence to the council and Dorset Police and promote Weymouth as a safe and welcoming place for everyone in the town.

"It comes after the town saw a 40% reduction in ASB incidents during the 100 Days of Summer campaign, and I am pleased this effective joint working will continue to make a positive impact.

It is hoped that a new round of funding will be opened in the next few months.