RESIDENTS in Highcliffe have been reminded to report incidents of anti-social behavior directly to police, following a rise in incidents.

The Highcliffe Residents Association have said that they have received frequent reports of increasing vandalism and late-night noise nuisance in the Highcliffe and Walkford area.

HRA has contacted local police for advice, and to request an increased visible presence of police in the area, especially in late evenings.

A spokesman from the Highcliffe Residents Association said: “If there is a crime in progress with offenders still at scene, or if anyone is at risk of immediate threat or harm, then the police confirm that residents must dial 999.

“Otherwise, the police urge residents to report all occasions of anti-social behaviour to them directly at the time, using the police contact telephone number 101, or the on-line reporting facility on the home page of the Dorset Police website.

“It is important that all occasions of serious anti-social behaviour are reported promptly to the police so that the ‘victims’ can be offered the relevant victim support and crime prevention advice.”

The Cliffhanger car park has been identified by the police as a hot spot location, and the force have advised that officers will be carrying out routine patrols of the area.

The immediate reporting of incidents allows for any fast-track investigative actions to be carried out, and help with the preservation of forensic and CCTV evidence.

The spokesman added: “The police will use all these reports to build up their intelligence as to the nature of the ‘problem’ so that they can target resources accordingly and work with partners such as the council and education to help prevent any further issues.

“This is why direct reporting is so important.

“HRA urges residents to follow police guidance in these matters, to help avoid future problems in our lovely area.”