POLICE promised to tackle anti-social behaviour on Portland and warned that residents who take action will themselves be arrested.

Inspector Neil Wood, deputy section commander for Weymouth and Portland, told the meeting Portland is a safe place and crime is low.

Insp Wood said the five-man Portland police team will not become 24-hour and will not be increased but he will soon be based there.

Insp Wood said: “I’m glad I’ve come here so I can see the depth of feeling and we need to sort this out.”

He appealed for residents to help gather enough evidence for the Crown Prosecution Service to charge offenders.

“We’ve got to show the courts this strength of feeling we have here,” he said.

He added “If we’ve not got the evidence to charge somebody it’s not the police but the CPS who decides. That’s why we’re here now.

“I’m willing to bet there are people in this room who know stuff.

“I appreciate there’s a problem and I need your help to get it sorted out.”

PC Steve Morris urged residents to dial 999 when they see crimes being committed and also gave out the number for Portland’s Safer Neighbourhood Team.

He said: “We need evidence.

“We’ve got to give evidence to the courts as a lot of people see things but they won’t talk to us.”

The safer neighbourhood team is on 07500 816319.