Forest & Heathland Fires

Location:
Wareham Forest and surrounding areas

Issue:
This is a seasonal risk during prolonged hot, dry weather and low rainfall. It can threaten wildlife habitats and cause disruption and damage to local communities.

Planned action to tackle this issue:
- Targeted patrols at key times and locations with Forest Rangers and colleagues from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service
- Working with colleagues from our CID team who are overseeing reports of malicious fires
- Conduct dedicated engagement activity in the area (such as Community Contact Points)
- Relevant updates being shared via social media and our Dorset Alert system to reassure local residents of the work we are doing

Issued 01 August 2026

August update:
* This is a newly recorded priority for the area, but we have already:
- Conducted a number targeted patrols with colleagues from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service + other agencies
- Hosted an advertised public Community Contact Point in the forest for people to share concerns directly with local officers
- Shared relevant updates via social media and our Dorset Alert system to reassure local residents of the work we are doing

Actioned 30 September 2026

Burglary, vehicle crime and criminal damage

Location:
Roberts Way and Recreation Ground, Upton

Issue:
There has been a recent increase in vehicle crime and burglaries to garages and sheds where bicycles have been stolen. Criminal damage has also been caused to parts of the Recreation Ground, all of which has occurred over a few weeks.

Planned action to tackle this issue:
- Targeted high-visibility patrols at key times and locations
- Detailed follow up visits to victims to provide reassurance, relevant updates and crime prevention advice
- Work alongside our colleagues in Poole to ensure we share intelligence and resources

Issued 01 July 2026

August update:
- We have conducted targeted patrols in the area at key times
- We have received no further reports of incidents occurring in the area
- Continue to monitor the situation alongside our colleagues in Poole to ensure we share intelligence and resources

July update:
- This is a newly recorded priority for the area (we have already conducted 2 public Community Contact Points and attended a town council meeting with our Police & Crime Commissioner to engage with local residents and partner agencies) - further updates will follow

Actioned 30 September 2026