New beat manager (From Bridport and Lyme Regis News)

New beat manager

2:30pm Wednesday 24th October 2012 in News

PC KIRSTI Ball will be targeting road safety and anti-social behaviour as she takes over as Lyme’s neighbourhood beat manager.

She is now heading up the Lyme Regis Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT), replacing PC Richard Winward who is a response officer based in the town.

Road safety, anti-social behaviour, and illegal drugs are all high on her agenda – but working with the community comes as top priority.

PC Ball said: “I like the more community-based policing and getting involved with the public, speaking with them and dealing with victims.”

PC Ball joined Dorset Police in 2004 and spent three years in Poole, before transferring to Bridport where she spent five years.

She started in Lyme Regis two months ago and has been trying to get to know key issues and people.

“Before Richard left I was doing some work over here, any opportunity I had I would come over and help if people were sick or on leave so I knew what was going on,” she said.

“It’s quiet, but in a good way because you get a chance to do the job fully rather than rushing from one job to another.

“I was lucky enough to work over the summer on some of the big events like Candles on the Cobb and Lifeboat Week so it was good to get out and meet some of the key people.

The Lyme Regis SNT also covers Charmouth, Wootton Fitzpaine, Whitchurch Canonicorum, Morecombelake, Marshwood, Thorncombe, and surrounding areas.

Officers hold surgeries in the villages and PC Ball has been trying to get her face known among those communities.

She said: “Each place has completely different issues.

“In Lyme Regis, the main issue at the moment is anti-social behaviour.

“My concern now with the winter coming is there will be an increase in oil thefts, especially in rural areas and isolated properties.”

PC Ball is keen for people to get in touch with any concerns.

She can be contacted on 07500 816312 or lymeregissnt@dorset.pnn.police.uk