Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner has relaunched his Operation Relentless Community Fund to empower communities to help address incidents of antisocial behaviour (ASB) affecting them. 

The fund offers grants from £100 to £5,000 to community groups and organisations that reduce ASB and/or increase public feeling of safety in areas disproportionately affected by ASB.

Since being launched in 2021, the fund has already assisted 31 projects across the county in reducing ASB. Projects have varied from free skateboarding sessions for young people, employability skills for those who have been to prison, community outreach work and the installation of CCTV in hot spot areas. 

Previous beneficiaries of the fund have reported significant results. Following the installation of funded cameras at Top Club Littlemoor, the area saw an 80% reduction in ASB incidents. Other beneficiaries have also reported a drop in incidents and a notable change in project participants' behaviour.

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick said: “I know the detrimental impact ASB can have on communities and individuals, and that is why I am so intent on driving down offences which cause harm to the people of Dorset. 

The Operation Relentless Community Fund has already had some great results and I am eager to help more places across the county. If you are a charity or local project and you fit the bidding criteria – I would encourage you to bid for funding. Together we can drive down these offences and make Dorset the safest county.”

Applications are open until 22nd April 2024. Find out more about how to apply to the fund here: https://www.dorset.pcc.police.uk/working-in-partnership/operation-relentless-community-fund-asb/