Verwood Police say crime and anti-social behaviour has dropped significantly following a targeted operation.
Dorset Police launched Operation Keeper after a spike in reports of crime in Verwood.
The Police together with East Dorset District Council agreed to the use of dispersal powers under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 which allows officers to direct anyone behaving inappropriately from the area.
Police Constable Andy Robertson from Verwood Safer Neighbourhood Team said: "Total recorded crime in Verwood halved from 58 reports in July 23 to 27 in August 2013.
“We also saw a dramatic fall in the number of reported incidents of anti-social behaviour in the hot spot areas of the recreation ground and Potterne Park between July and September."
"The feedback we have received from the public has been excellent."
PC Andy Robertson says crime has halved Credit: Dorset Police
Police cracking down on anti-social behaviour and under-age drinking Credit: Meridian
Police patrols are to be increased in some neighbourhoods in West Oxfordshire to crack down on anti-social behaviour and under-age drinking. Teams will also be carrying out stringent licensing checks at pubs and bars.
Firefighters have been pelted with stones by teenagers while they try to put out fires in Kent.
Kent Fire and Rescue Service say they have been called to Gravesend 17 times over the past fortnight. Most of the fires they attend involve rubbish bins which have been deliberately set alight.
Police, Gravesham Borough Council and the Fire Service are working together to catch those responsible for the attacks.
