No crime rise from asylum barge Portland meeting told

However concerns have been expressed about domestic violence on the island and the ongoing problems of anti-social behaviour - particularly at Easton Gardens.

Crime statistics were revealed at Portland Town Council's annual meeting during an update from police.

The meeting had a low turnout compared to last year, when residents attended to make their feelings known about the Bibby Stockholm asylum seeker barge which was due to arrive.

The vessel, which accommodates men awaiting asylum claim decisions, has been at Portland Port since last July.

Presenting crime figures and answering questions on behalf of the Weymouth & Portland Neighbourhood Policing Team was Superintendent Neil Leat.

He said despite fears from some residents and 'social media commentators' that asylum speakers on the Bibby Stockholm would cause a spike in crime, the stats for the island show that reports of crime are down.

Supt Leat said: "Crime on the whole is down. You might have thought you would see a big increase with the barge, but what we have seen is a reduction.

"We are constantly monitoring it and what we haven't seen is the high rise in crime like social media commentators said we would.

"In the big scheme of things, these (reported crime numbers) are pretty small figures."

Read more: Asylum barge 'has changed Portland beyond recognition'

In total for Portland there were 766 total crimes reported in 2023/2024, down from 809 in 2022/2023 and 906 in 2021/2022.

Figures show there has been a reduction in offences of criminal damage, drugs, public order, sexual offences, and theft from vehicles.

There has been a general downward trend in violent against the person (includes domestic violence) - which make up the largest number of offences each year - although figures for 2023/24 (388) were slightly up on the previous year (381).

Supt Leat said there had also been a reduction in hate crime offences - 7 compared with 11 the year before.

Read more: Government criticised over barge at Dorset meeting

Also discussed was the high rates of reported domestic violence, which remains a 'significant challenge' on the island.

"Domestic violence remains one of the huge things. It is an issue we need to address," added Supt Leat.

Council leader Sue Cocking said: "I was on the domestic abuse forum at Dorset Council and it is high on Portland. I know it is an issue."

Members of the public also expressed frustration about anti-social behaviour (ASB) around Easton Gardens.

Read more: Portland council discuss anti-social behaviour and lack of police

ASB for the island rose from 324 offences in 2022/23 to 372 in 2023/24.

One resident said: "I have been reporting it from the start of the year. In Easton, the quality of life has been damaged so much that some people are thinking of moving. But it has gone down significantly since (police operation to target ASB)."

Cllr Cocking said: "Some people feel intimidated that they are going to be targeted if they do report it. It has its moments, a couple of people are being really affected by it."

Some residents have become frustrated with the process of reporting anti-social behaviour to the police non-emergency number 101.

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One said: "Some have been told to call back the next day. They find it very frustrating."

The meeting also covered several aspects of life on the island, including a yearly review from the Island Community Action and The Drop In.

Residents welcomed the news that The Drop-In will be hosting the Will Does bus at Easton Gardens on Friday evenings.