Coronavirus - a message from Martyn Underhill the Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner We are living through a situation that none of us have ever experienced. I know personally the seriousness of the situation, as I am now having to self-isolate for two weeks after my wife developed symptoms of coronavirus. Police forces across the country are having to do something they have never previously needed to take responsibility for – enforcing a lockdown to ensure the virus does not spread and the public are kept safe. Dorset Police will now step in to fulfil this role, as that is what the public expects. But let me be clear – British policing, unlike policing in some other countries, is founded on respect and engagement with the public. The new measures may seem severe, but they are absolutely vital. Both Chief Constable James Vaughan and I are confident that people will listen, and abide by the new restrictions. We know the public of Dorset, and we know they understand just how important this is. I know many of you out there are worried about what the next few weeks and months have in store, but I would like to reassure you that Dorset Police will be able to deal with any challenges that might come along. The scale of the coronavirus outbreak, and its impact on day-to-day life for every one of us, is unprecedented. But there are robust plans in place to deal with any eventuality, and I know from my regular meetings with the chief constable and other senior officers that the residents of Dorset are in the best possible hands. Our local force is well-led, well-organised and full of dedicated, professional individuals who are passionate about keeping people safe. More than ever, this will continue to be the case as we cope with the COVID-19 crisis. I’m continuing to work with senior officers, making sure the force carries on its vital work of protecting people, preventing crime and keeping people safe. Our county is well known for having an older population, as well as more isolated rural
communities, and one of my main priorities has always been to look after the most vulnerable in society. The police play a role in making sure these people are safe, but during the current crisis we need everyone to look out for each other – particularly elderly neighbours who are having to self-isolate. I know how worrying self-isolation is, and know it must be far worse if you are on your own. But as a country we step up when the going gets tough. History proves that time and time again, and now we must all step up to look after our family, friends and community. Sadly, with nearly half of all crime now taking place online, we know there are cyber criminals out there who are trying to take advantage of the crisis to exploit these vulnerable people. Information about these can be found on actionfraud.police.com and more detailed advice will be issued by my office over the next few days – please be aware that these scams are operating and if possible warn older relatives to be careful. It’s vital that we all play our part in reducing the spread of the virus, so please follow the advice from Public Health England. Continue to wash your hands regularly, practice social distancing and self-isolate if you are experiencing any symptoms. And although the Government, public health and local authorities are the main sources of information in this rapidly changing situation, the police can and will also keep you updated when necessary – so if you haven’t already, please sign up for Dorset Alert - the free service which will give you updates about policing initiatives in your area. Keep up to date with any information on 111. nhs.uk or locally from our partners at Dorset Council and BCP Council. Stay safe, stay strong, protect our NHS and respect the lockdown.
Message from Assistant Chief Constable Mark Callaghan, who is leading the police response for COVID-19: "I would like to reassure our Dorset communities that we have taken all necessary steps to ensure we can continue to protect you, prevent crime and uphold the service that keeps you safe day in, day out. "These are unprecedented times for all of us and it is more important than ever for us to work alongside our partners to ensure our core services are maintained. "I understand that many of you will be feeling anxious and worried about the impact this will have on your loved ones and your lives. "We all need to play our part in reducing the spread of this virus. Please continue to follow the advice from Public Health England and the Government around good hygiene, access
to health services, social distancing and selfisolation. "We are here to help our communities and if you need to report a non-urgent crime we encourage you to visit our website dorset.police. uk. "Our local policing teams are on social media so please follow your local officers through those channels for updates. "The Force is doing all it can to keep our officers and staff safe while they continue to serve the public. I would like to thank them for their unwavering commitment. "We recognise that now is the time that you’ll need us more than ever before. Virus or no virus, we are here for you."
SEND support Dorset Council’s service for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (Dorset SEND) is helping families during the coronavirus pandemic. School transport If you do have to use school transport you will be contacted if there are changes to the service. Parents and carers are being asked to use their own transport where possible. SEND will cover petrol and wear and tear expenses and will contact you with further information on how to claim. If you have any concerns, please contact Dorset Travel on 01305 224537. Schools Schools will be open for the children of critical workers and vulnerable children over the Easter holidays. Your school will confirm their arrangements directly with you. As every school is unlikely to be open your child could end up going to a different school. Free school meals If your child is entitled to free school meals, your school will be in touch with you regarding arrangements. Sadly there is a scam about free school meals. Some families have been sent an email asking for them to ‘send their bank details to make sure they are supported’. A spokesman from Dorset SEND said, “We’ll never ask for your details – please ignore any emails like this and report as spam. We’re working with schools to ensure all children who’d receive a free school meal do so – if they’re in school or not. Schools (or in some cases Dorset Council) will be in touch with you to confirm your arrangements.”
Next of kin appeal The Coroner for Dorset is seeking the assistance of the public to find the next of kin of a man who lived in Bournemouth. Edward Richard Lasowski, who was 71 years old, died at his home address in Campbell Road on Tuesday 24 March 2020. His death is not being treated as suspicious and no police investigation is needed into his death. If you have any knowledge of his family members, please contact the Coroner’s office on 01202 454767.
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