DORSET residents are being urged to have their say on a scheme where victims of low-level crime choose the offender’s punishment.

Dorset’s PCC Martyn Underhill launched a three-month consultation in June urging residents to take part in the survey.

Following the recent Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act, which places a statutory duty on all PCCs to develop a list of community remedies, Mr Underhill is keen to ensure as many people as possible respond.

From this autumn, victims will be able to select the punishment for the offender from a menu of options.

Community Remedies are likely to include measures such as repairing damage to property, cleaning up graffiti or receiving a punishment proportionate to the crime.

Victims can also ask the offender direct questions, mediate or receive an apology. By bringing together the offender with the victim of their crime, it’s hoped they will better understand the impact of their actions.

It is seen as a way of delivering justice without the traditional court process.

Mr Underhill said: “Last year there were around 80 recorded incidents of Anti-Social Behaviour every day of the year in Dorset.

“These low level crimes have a massive impact on the area and therefore it is vital I hear from as many residents as possible on how we should punish offenders.

“Community Remedies give victims a greater voice and puts them at the heart of the punishment for the offender and helps the offender to 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.”

Go to dorset.pcc.police.uk for more information or call the office on 01202 223966 to request a copy.