THE biggest policing operation Dorset has ever seen is under way as security is stepped up on a massive scale to ensure a safe Olympics in Wey-mouth and Portland.

With 350 officers on patrol at any one time – at the sailing venue, on the streets and on the water – police chiefs hope their presence is ‘reassuring’ rather than ‘oppressive.’ Planning a major public event with thousands of extra visitors expected to watch events, police have to be ready for anything including criminals cashing in on big crowds, protesters wanting to disrupt proceedings and potential terror alerts.

Residents and visitors are being urged to take precautions to ensure they stay safe and do not become a victim of crime.

Armed officers, marine police on boats and jet-skis, personnel trained for chemical incidents as well as officers on the beat are being deployed.

Assistant chief constable of Dorset Police Adrian Whiting is also Police Gold Commander for the Olympic security operation in Dorset and chairman of the Local Resilience Forum Co-ordinating Group.

He said it had been a challenging few weeks in the wake of local tragedies including the Beaminster Tunnel deaths, the fatal landslide at Burton Bradstock and the death of Weymouth woman Leah Whittle which led to a youth on a murder charge.

But he’s confident a safe and secure Games can be delivered.

“I can’t imagine we will do anything like this again, and in some ways I hope we don’t – but I’m delighted to have this opportunity to be involved with this operation which has taken several years of planning and involved an awful lot of testing and exercising,” said Mr Whiting.

He added: “At the peak of the Games, which is from now onwards, there will be 150 officers from Dorset on the ground plus 200 officers from other forces.

“Out of that total of 350 officers on patrol at any one time, 90 of those are on the water.

“There are more police around and to be honest that’s what I would like to see normally, areas should be prominently policed.

“I hope it’s not seen as oppressive and that people will be reassured.”

Mr Whiting said visiting officers had been very impressed with the area and had been made to feel ‘very welcome.’ “I don’t think they’ve high-fived as many children on one operation. They appreciate the support from local people.”

He added: “As Dorset goes on the international stage it’s going to be a tremendous time and a great family celebration.

“It’s also an opportunity to celebrate the incredible achievements of our athletes.”

Shake-up of road network

A MAJOR shake-up of the road network in Weymouth town centre comes into force today (Fri).

Closures and restrictions will be in force for just over two weeks until Sunday, August 12 to help manage the number of visitors expected for the Olympics.

Council chiefs are urging people to avoid travelling by car where possible due to the restrictions and because local roads will be busier than normal.

Most closures are in place from 10am-10pm except for Radipole Park Drive which will be closed throughout the period except for access to the tennis courts from the northern end and access to Jubilee Business Park from the southern end.

The other main restrictions are the closure of King Street from 10am-10pm but with access allowed to the filling station and train station from Commercial Road end.

The Esplanade will also be closed within those times but access will be allowed to the Park District and Brunswick Terrace from Dorchester Road and Greenhill. The main shopping streets of St Thomas Street and St Mary Street will be closed.. The Town Bridge is also closed to traffic.

Get a full list at dorsetforyou.com/sailing2012/travel-and-transport/advice-for-residents.

Town centre restrictions hit famous donkeys

TOWN centre restrictions will affect how some businesses operate.

This includes Weymouth’s famous beach donkeys which have to be moved from their usual pitch to slightly further up the beach due to Esplanade restrictions.

Operator Melanie Rush said: “We did have initial concerns over how we were going to transport the donkeys during the road restrictions, but were able to work with the county council to come to an amicable arrangement.

“Everyone is as keen for us to be here as we are. Animal welfare has definitely been taken into consideration.

“We have had to change how we run, but it is only a two week event that won’t happen again. It is a great opportunity for the town and we are looking forward to entertaining lots of families this summer.”

Dorset Olympic Board chairman Angus Campbell said: “Local businesses have done a tremendous job planning for the Games, including changes to delivery times, extending opening hours and alternative travel arrangements for their staff.

“We are pleased to be able to accommodate the donkeys and keep a long-standing seaside tradition going during the Olympics.”

Dodgy traders look out

TRADING Standards officers will be on Olympic patrol to stop unscrupulous traders, counterfeit goods and the sale of alcohol to under 18s.

The agency will be taking space in the town and officers will be cracking down on any dodgy traders and preventing residents and visitors from falling foul of unscrupulous traders.

Another major concern for Trading Standards officer will be stopping the sale of alcohol to under 18s.

Ivan Hancock, Trading Standards Service Manager, pictured, said: “We are keen to deter anyone selling counterfeit goods, including illegally branded Olympic merchandise, from coming to Weymouth, or indeed selling their goods anywhere in the County.

“By working together with other regulatory officers we will be seeking to ensure the Weymouth and Portland Olympic experience is not undermined or inconvenienced by rogue trader."

Mr Hancock added he hoped that rogue traders would already have been deterred from visiting the borough due to the enforcement action taken in Dorset.