RESIDENTS are to be asked how to punish low-level criminals across Dorset.

Dorset’s police and crime commissioner Martyn Underhill opened a three-month consultation into how low-level crime and anti-social behaviour should be dealt with last week.

Recent legislation means all PCCs are required to develop a list of ‘community remedies’.

From the autumn victims will be able to select punishments from a menu of options.

Mr Underhill said the new law would help give victims a greater voice and that he wanted to ask as many people in the county as possible for their views.

“Already the public in Dorset has suggested beach litterpicks which is now on the menu of possible options,” he added.

“Last year there were 29,436 recorded incidents of anti-social behaviour in the county. Community resolution benefits the victim in gaining closure on the incident and helps the offender break the cycle of crime.

“I am passionate about victim care – this is something the people of Dorset have been asking for and victims want this option as an alternative to the court process.”

The menu of options is likely to include measures such as repairing damage to property and cleaning up graffiti.

In addition to the online survey, a number of focus groups are being held to consult communities on what they’d like to see on the list of options. The first focus group will take place in Wareham on June 24.

• For more information about how to take part in the consultation or to participate in the focus groups, visit http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/dorsetcommunityremedy or call 01202 223966.