VICTIMS of crime in Dorset won't be asked to write their own statements, bucking a new scheme which may be introduced by forces across the UK.

A pilot scheme launched by the West Midlands Police force could see those affected by crimes such as shoplifting, criminal damage and road accidents encouraged to write their own accounts of the offence.

Members of the public may also be asked to upload evidence such as CCTV and phone footage of offences being committed.

However, Dorset's police and crime commissioner Martyn Underhill has confirmed that no such plans are in place for residents.

“This is not something that Dorset Police is currently considering," he said.

"While I am always interested in achieving efficiency, the needs of victims and accurate crime recording must come first.

"I await the results of any pilot schemes run by other forces."

Introducing the plans, West Mids Chief Constable Dave Thompson said "sometimes the public are just as capable as the police".

He added: "Self-service should not be doing your own crime investigations, but there is quite a lot the public could do to help us."

Other forces are experimenting with similar ideas, including the Metropolitan Police, Devon and Cornwall, Avon and Somerset and East Midlands.