OCHD is requesting Dorset area Only BAME community businesses in the small business and self-employed entrepreneurs sector (convenience stores, off-licenses, restaurants, takeaways, taxi drivers) to participate in a Businesses & Crime survey by the Conservative Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner (DPCC) candidate, Mr David Sidwick.

This further to discussions with David on support for the proposed OCHD and UKNFS consultation, and the prospective PCC’s strong support for BAME community members in the small business and self-employed sectors on recording hate crimes and racially aggravated crime incidents that community members often encounter. This is with a view to interventions at policy and policing delivery levels on both types of crimes that frequently go unreported due to feelings that no support will be forthcoming for speaking up. David Sidwick’s survey can be accessed at https://www.sidwick4dorset.org.uk/form/dorset-business-crime-survey  and you can read more about his exciting prospectus at https://www.sidwick4dorset.org.uk/

This engagement and research initiative comes at an ideal time as One Community Hampshire and Dorset (OCHD) in conjunction with the UK Nepal Friendship Society (UKNFS) is proposing a Bournemouth Christchurch & Poole (BCP) Council area consultation with small businesses and the self-employed sector on crime and hate crime experiences faced by many BAME community members who are owners, staff, self-employed. Details on this will be provided before the end of the first week of November after a joint OCHD and UKNFS request to the BCP Council for this much needed consultation has been formally submitted — PLEASE WATCH THIS SPACE.