A NEW group has been set-up by Dorset Police to deal with organised crime groups.

The tactical partnership group is the latest weapon being used by the Force to dismantle such groups and bring a halt to their activities in the county.

Under the banner of Project Spotlight, Dorset Police will share information about organised crime groups with partner agencies.

These agencies are councils across Dorset, the Environment Agency, the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT), HM Revenue and Customs, the UK Border Agency and NHS Counter Fraud.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Callaghan, of Dorset Police, said: “Dorset Police is committed to sharing information with these partners to enable a holistic and deep-rooted approach toward tackling organised criminality.

“I want to make organised crime groups and their associates feel toxic – tackling them at every possible angle and reminding them we will not tolerate this type of activity in our communities.

“I would urge anyone with information about organised criminality in Dorset to call us in confidence on 101 or the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.”

The Project Spotlight tactical partnership group held its first meeting in January 2014.

Detective Chief Inspector Callaghan added: “The majority of partners held information on the organised crime groups and provided valuable intelligence at this meeting and identified further areas for the Force to investigate.

“I hope that by sharing this information we are able to collectively dismantle these groups and prosecute those involved.