MOBILE police stations have proved a hit in rural parts of Dorset - with more than 4,000 visitors in just six months.

Police chiefs have hailed the stations as a major success in helping to reduce the fear of crime across the county. Plans are now being made to expand the scheme into urban areas.

The mobile police stations - or community support units - are an essential part of the Dorset force's strategy for reassuring the public and cutting fear of crime. The force says it also remains committed to increasing police numbers and visible street patrols.

Chief Constable Jane Stichbury said: "We have had a very good response to the community support units - on their visits to the more rural parts of the county they have attracted around 4,000 visitors. We have now secured additional funding to develop the concept."

She added: "Reducing the fear of crime is a crucial issue for the people of Dorset. The county remains a very safe place, yet anticipation of crime far outstrips the likelihood of becoming a victim.

"It is important that we can really make an impact in this area as a force and this does mean that I remain committed to increasing police numbers.

"Visible patrols are essential in reassuring the public and setting acceptable standards of behaviour on the streets in support of peaceful and orderly communities. We also have to look at other ways to achieve reassurance. These include literally taking the policing service out to communities."

Two mobile police stations were launched at Puddletown village hall earlier this year - one each for the western and eastern divisions of Dorset Police.

The stations make weekly visits into rural parts of Dorset with the aim of reassuring communities that they can obtain help and support from police close by.

People using the stations are able to get fast access to police services near to their homes. A third community support unit is currently being planned for the Poole and Bournemouth area.