BRIDPORT Police are asking for the public’s help to help combat drugs gangs moving into the town.

Last year London gangs began moving into a ‘drugs vacuum’, said Bridport Inspector Mike Darby.

The gangs bring London-style violence, he said, adding that since then their activities have escalated.

The gangs are 'cuckooing' - taking over the homes of vulnerable people and in some cases 'pimping' girls out between gang members.

Insp Darby said: “They are becoming even more active now. They have been establishing themselves at certain addresses and taking over a recent void in the drug market here.

“The problem first manifested itself in Skilling and Alexandra Road but they have moved on from there now. They are trying to widen their influence in the town and doing something we call ‘cuckooing’."

‘Cuckooing’ is where drug dealers befriend vulnerable people and then move into their home, taking it over and turning it into a drugs den.

“They will identify vulnerable people, drug addicts who desperately need drugs, or girls who are involved in prostitution and will move into their address - usually against their will. They will take over until they either get moved on by police or housing associations become aware," Insp. Darby said.

“That is happening in Bridport at at least two addresses we know of, and more in Dorchester.”

He said there were at least four or five active gang members in Bridport, the same in Dorchester and even more in Blandford; and that is why he wants to build up as much evidence as possible with the public’s help.

He added: “We know they are increasing their activities because we are getting more calls about people acting suspiciously.

“We know who they are and where they are doing it, but we still need the public's help. When they see unusual or suspicious activity taking place we want them to call us.

“They do flit around to different areas and change their tactics from one day to the next.”

In Weymouth, Dorset Police are continuing to crack down on the supply and dealing of drugs in the town as part of Operation Champion.

Weymouth and Portland Neighbourhood Inspector Pete Browning, who has overall responsibility for Operation Champion, explained: “Over the last year we have seen a reduction in street dealing, and a lot of it is dealing from houses.

"We would encourage people to keep an eye out for vulnerable neighbours and elderly relatives.

“Drug dealers will operate from houses where they have no previous links. If you start seeing people arriving who aren’t local to the area or you see lots of different people arriving in lots of different vehicles [report it] and we will take it into account.”

Anyone with information about suspected drugs crimes in Dorset is encouraged to call Dorset Police in confidence on 101, contact their Safer Neighbourhood Team or contact Crimestoppers anonymously - or if they think a drug deal is taking place they can dial 999.