New vehicles strengthen safer Dorset partnership

2/20/2012

Dorset Police has received a boost in its efforts to make Dorset safer today.

The Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) in Dorchester, Sherborne and Bridport took delivery of three community safety vans, purchased with a donation from Magna Housing Association’s Community Initiative Fund.

Dorset Police has worked in partnership with Magna Housing for many years. Magna originally provided donations in 2008 to purchase vans to enable the frequency of foot patrols to be increased, both by PCSOs and Magna housing managers. Following on from the success of these initial donations, Magna recently donated the money for three new vans to be purchased and for one of the original vans to be refurbished.

Inspector Les Fry said: “I am thrilled to have received these vehicles on behalf of the West Dorset PCSOs. Our priority is to ensure our communities feel safe and are safe and this is a perfect example of a successful working partnership. Magna Housing is a valued partner with whom we have been working for some time to enhance the safety of residents living in their properties. These vehicles means we can continue to reach more rural residents in Dorset.”

Ken Bodycombe, Magna’s community development manager, said: “The Community Initiative Fund is managed by a residents’ forum, which was very keen to donate the money to enable the PCSOs to continue their valued work in rural communities. Magna look forward to continuing to work successfully with Dorset Police, promoting the benefits of a community that works together.”

In the last 10 years, the fund has donated more than £1 million to projects that benefit Magna residents and their surroundings.