MASSIVE increases in anti-social behaviour crimes in Poole have been revealed in a shocking new report.

The news came as Dorset took its begging bowl to the Government to help provide funds for more police officers.

Poole's third Crime and Drugs Audit shows a 114 per cent rise in the number of intimidation, harassment and racially aggravated crimes, with numbers rising from 93 to 199 over the last three years.

Possession and supply of drugs rose 92.6 per cent from 149 to 287 over the period and alcohol related antisocial behaviour crimes went up 75 per cent from 180 to 315.

The town centre is the main hotspot for criminal damage, up 27.7 per cent from 2,131 cases to 2,721 costing £5.2 million in Poole.

"Definite links were found between anti-social behaviour, alcohol and violence and we need to look at ways to stop low level anti-social behaviour turning into more serious incidents," said Cllr Chris Bulteel, chairman of the crime and disorder partnership board.

"Poole now has a dedicated full-time antisocial behaviour co-ordinator and also a community warden to help us tackle these issues," he said.

Arson remains a problem, particularly on heathland and although the figures have gone down, Poole still has one of the highest rates of arson per 1,000 of the population, costing an estimated £23.3 million.

Drug use is included in the audit for the first time and it points out there is no obvious difference between local and national trends. "It is clear from intelligence from both the police and local drug users that all types of illegal drugs are easily available in Poole," says the report.

Poole's Crime and Disorder partnership report - made up of 90 partner agencies - does reveal some good news including a five per cent drop in vehicle crime and a 30 per cent drop in house burglaries.

Violence linked to the town centre and other areas where alcohol is a factor has increased significantly and this is partly due to the way violence is recorded.

For example ASBOs are civil matters until breached when they become a crime and all breaches are recorded under violent crime, says the audit.

Supt Darren Curtis, Poole Divisional Commander, said there had been some major changes since the last audit three years ago.

"The new system builds on the previous two crime audits and has allowed for a comprehensive drugs audit to be included which follows key themes contained in the National Drugs Strategy."

Consultation events will take place during the week of November 15 and, from these, priorities will be decided.

First published: Oct 21