WE'RE working together to make Christchurch a safe place to live.

That's the message from the Christchurch Town Centre Safer Neighbourhood Team to residents.

Nearly a month after the Barrack Road police station was one of eight to close its doors to the public, the trio say they are intent on reducing the perception of rising crime in the town.

Earlier this year, figures were released showing fear of crime was on the increase in Christchurch, despite fewer incidents than the previous year.

But PC Alex Smith, PCSO Martin Sparks and PCSO Curt Downs say visible policing and regular patrols are integral to their operation in the town centre.

One of the priorities they have already tackled is the level of shoplifting, which they have reduced by 75 per cent compared to the same quarter last year.

Working closely with traders signed up to the Shoplink scheme and utilising the CCTV system based at the station, the team say they are able to identify offenders quickly and efficiently, whether during the day, or at night, where they work with door staff and licensed premises.

Under the project name Operation Protect, the focus is on tackling night time anti-social behaviour and violent crime, also one of the SNT's priorities.

And under a section of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2014, the team can also exclude offenders or someone 'causing alarm' from an area of the town centre for up to 48 hours.

The legislation acts as a deterrent, and is effective in dealing with offenders, says PC Smith.

"It is the prevention of crime and we want to reduce offending and reduce the amount of violent crime. This legislation supports us in doing that", he said.

As one of their priorities, the team are also appealing for people to ensure their vehicles are secured properly, to reduce thefts.

"Part of our role is to reassure people. Our job has always been to police the town centre and for us, we are there to be visible and act as a point of contact for residents", PCSO Downs added.

"Safer Neighbourhood Teams are here to engage with people; that's what community policing is about."

The Christchurch town centre team hold open meetings with members of the public on the 29 of each month in Waitrose from 10am until midday.

They are also on Twitter @XchurchTownSNT.