RESIDENTS of rural communities in Dorset are being asked to take part in the biggest ever survey into crime and anti-social behaviour in the countryside.

The National Rural Crime Network (NCRN) is calling for people who live in rural areas to come forward with their views on policing and the impact crime has on them and their neighbours.

The aim of the survey is to help shape the future of crime prevention and rural policing.

Chair of the NRCN, Julia Mulligan, said: “The full scale of crime in rural areas has never before been assessed. Whilst official figures show rural crime, like crime in general, is decreasing, we are concerned about the wider implications on people and communities.

"The fear of crime can be as detrimental to people’s wellbeing as crimes themselves, so we are keen to find out more through this survey. Our aim is to build a clear picture of the issue to shape future delivery of services locally and nationally. By completing the survey, people can really have their say on how crime affects them and what they expect from local police and their partners involved in community safety.”

The survey can be completed from now until Wednesday June 24. Visit nationalruralcrimenetwork.net/survey