MORE than a dozen people were arrested in Weymouth over the bank holiday weekend as part of a crackdown on violent crime and disorder.

Extra officers were brought in to patrol the streets and enforce drinking bylaws for Operation Protect, the anti-violent crime initiative launched by Dorset Police.

Ten people, including three women, were held on Saturday night for a range of public order offences including assaults.

There were two attacks on police officers but fortunately they were not seriously hurt.

A further four people were arrested on Sunday including a young female held under section 30 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act.

Under the legislation, police have the power to disperse groups of two or more people if they believe they will cause trouble.

A man was arrested last night on suspicion of assault outside the Cork and Bottle pub. He was held after police received information via the resort's CCTV system.

A further three people were arrested in Weymouth early today for affray and threatening behaviour.

A man was also arrested early today for a public order offence near Weymouth harbour. A group of fishermen caught the man trying to get onto a boat and alerted police.

Sergeant Geoff Hicks, of Weymouth East police, warned: "My message to anyone in Weymouth thinking of committing crime and anti-social behaviour is do not do it because you will be caught."

Operation Protect has seen increased police patrols, more use of closed-circuit television, the use of covert plain clothed police officers as well as liaison with local councils.

It has also included the involvement of Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships, visits to pubs and clubs, the use of exclusion orders and Anti-Social Behaviour Act legislation.

To reinforce Operation Protect's message to the public special posters have been designed for distribution to pubs, clubs and late night cafes across Dorset. Anyone who has any information about violent crime can ring police on 01305 222500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.