What is the Dorchester and District Crime Prevention Panel?

The DDCPP is a group of people representing the local community who work in partnership with the police and other agencies to reduce crime in Dorchester and the surrounding villages.

Some panel members are local councillors, others have particular areas of expertise that can help the panel, or just have a wish to help make our area a safer place to live. The panel is not political with all members sharing the same objectives.

All members give their time and efforts voluntarily, and any funding we receive goes directly to support crime reduction projects. Administrative support is kindly provided by Dorset Police, however it is important to emphasis that the panel operates independently from the police.

Why does the DDCPP need a website?

Traditionally we have relied on distribution of publications in the form of booklets or leaflets. Although this method still has its place it can result in delays in getting information to the public, the purpose of this website is to help in the distribution of that information.

We have also provided a range of links to other useful organisations. Hopefully by bringing all the connections together in one place it should be easier to find the information you’re looking for.

How do I contact the DDCPP?

If you have an idea that you think may help to reduce crime in our area we would be delighted to hear from you.

Jonathan Halewood

I am the chair of the panel. I live in Dorchester and work as an Inspector with the Health and Safety Executive. My interest in crime prevention started with having a car stolen 3 times in 2 years, I needed to find out what I could do to prevent it happening again.

What concerns me most is the impact on the quality of life for victims of crime, in particular trying to reduce the fear that can result.

Mark Allwood

I and live and work (as fundraiser for Dorset County Museum) in Dorchester. I was elected to Dorchester Town Council for the first time this year, and serve as one of its representatives on the Panel.

I think that the Panel not only needs to raise awareness within the local community of initiatives to prevent crime, but also to reassure the public that Dorchester and the surrounding villages are actually a pretty safe place to live.

David Barrett

Lived in West Dorset for 28years, moved to Dorchester in 1998 from Beaminster where I was the town’s Sub-Postmaster for 15 years. Subsequently worked as a qualified Financial Consultant (FPC3) and Post Office Relief Manager. Now retired.

Existing Independent Councillor – West Dorset District Council and Dorchester Town Council (West Ward) previously represented Dorchester (North Ward) on the same

Public bodies.

Married – wife Lynda, two daughters, Christine, a Staff Nurse at the Joseph Weld Hospice and Rachael a Solicitor in private practice in London. Six grandchildren.

Previous Independent Councillor – Beaminster Town Council and West Dorset District Council (Beaminster Ward)

Total continuous service to the electorate as an Independent Councillor 18 years.

Independent Member of Dorchester Town Council

Mayor of Dorchester 2007-8.

Independent Member of West Dorset District Council (Dorchester West Ward)

Leader of the West Dorset Group of Independent Councillors.

Other Present Interests

Chairman - Local Government Association, Independent Group, South West Region (Wessex Area) representing Councillors in Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire and Avon.

Chairman - Poundbury Youth Action Group

Vice Chairman - Thomas Hardye Leisure Centre Management Committee

Vice Chairman - Magna Careline and Board Member Magna Housing Ltd.

Committee Member - Dorchester Youth Club Management Committee

Committee Member - Dorchester Swimming Bath Trustees.

Adviser to Dorset Association for the Disabled

Executive Member - Dorset Association of Town and Parish Councils.

Member of Committee of Dorchester Arts Centre on behalf of the District Council

Member - Dorchester Crime Prevention Committee

Richard Peacocke

Single with three children, one grandson, and two honorary grand daughters. I have lived in Dorset since 1986, and Dorchester since 1988. My background is from the Army and then the Prison Services, having worked at the Dorset prisons of the Verne, Dorchester and Guys Marsh and helped commission the Weir healthcare centre.

My qualifications are in the forensic psychology area and I trained locally as a registered mental health nurse.

I am now a part time doctoral student at Bournemouth University and a Service User Representative with Dorset Mental Health Forum in Dorchester.

I became involved with the Panel through my work as a councillor with Crossways Parish Council. Since moving into the North Ward of Dorchester, and so having to step down from council work, I have been asked to continue on the Panel as a lay member.

The Panel is an ideal bridge between citizens and the Police Service, easing the flow of information and concerns both ways. There is a necessary and professional social gap between the Police Service and the rest of our society in which distrust can ferment; but I believe that our effective and honest communication is core to dissolving distrust and paranoia from both camps.

Tony Wormald

Tony Wormald, member of the Association of Dorset Watches, serving on the Committee. Represent home-watch for the Dorchester section (police area), as coordinator for all the home-watch sections covering the villages and parishes .

Meet with the Divisional Police Superintendent for the Western Division on home-watch and safer neighbourhood matters.

Represent home-watch members in meeting with the local police section commander for Dorchester to improve communications and safer neighbourhood team contacts.

Ryan Bransome

I have lived in Dorset for the majority of my life, which has been spent predominantly in the area of Dorchester. I also work in the town at the District Council offices as the Senior Licensing Officer for West Dorset and have done for the last 5 years. Sitting as a member of the panel allows me to continue to ensure that Dorchester and its surrounding areas remain the safe and secure place in which you can live, work or visit.