Almost 60 people have been referred to a new initiative aimed at tackling the blight of anti-social behaviour in Dorset.

The Immediate Justice scheme for adult offenders is designed for people who have committed anti-social behaviour (ASB)-related crimes and other low-level offences.

The initiative, which was introduced in Dorset in November 2023 by the Home Office as a pilot scheme, is only available to suitable first-time or low-level offenders and offers an alternative to attending court or paying fines.

READ: Police launch crackdown on antisocial behaviour in Weymouth

Those who meet the criteria for the scheme are referred by Dorset Police or the local authorities to partner agency, Red Snapper Managed Services, who then assign tasks to be completed under supervision.

This unpaid work takes place within days of the offence being committed and involves seven or 14 hours of unpaid work depending on the type of Out of Court Resolution the offender has received from Dorset Police or appropriate local authority.

These activities could include clearing up public spaces, litter picking, supporting local charities and other similar community-minded tasks.

READ: Reports of anti-social behaviour at riverwalks in Dorchester

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: "So far, nearly 60 people have been referred to the programme by Dorset Police and local authorities, with around 200 hours of work completed and more than 200 hours currently scheduled for completion.

"I know that a great deal of work has been completed to ensure these numbers continue to build and I look forward to seeing these results.

"I hope my commitment to Immediate Justice demonstrates to communities and victims that action is being taken over ASB and their experiences are taken seriously."

READ: £1 million boost to tackle anti-social behaviour in Dorset

The scheme aims to show communities that anti-social behaviour and low-level offending are treated with the 'seriousness and urgency required', the police chief says.

Repeat offenders will continue to be prosecuted and punished through the criminal justice system and will not be eligible for Immediate Justice.

Should offenders referred to the scheme not comply with Immediate Justice, they will go back through the courts.

One of the key parts of this innovative initiative also requires those selected to complete an anti-social behaviour awareness course or take part in a community conference.

The emphasis of these two measures is on education and support to bring about change and reduce instances of further offending, as well as make amends through restorative justice.

READ: Man banned from Weymouth seafront for anti-social behaviour

Mr Sidwick added: "It is imperative that as well as delivering visible punishment, Immediate Justice is effective in reducing further offending.

"By tackling this, we can provide proper reassurance to communities in Dorset that we are robustly dealing with this issue.

"I know the detrimental impact ASB has on the public, and while Dorset Police has made real improvements in reducing these damaging incidents through intensive hotspot patrols as part of Op Track and initiatives such as the 100 Days of Summer campaign, I want the public to know we take this very seriously and are proactively tackling it through operational policing.

"And it’s working; using the data and intelligence from residents to guide them, last year the force saw a 14 per cent drop in incidences of anti-social behaviour."