Specialist Dorset Police unit secures lifelong protections for stalking victim

A specialist Dorset Police unit set up to manage the county’s most dangerous offenders for violence against women and girls (VAWG) has helped secure additional, long-term protection for a stalking victim.

The force’s High Harm Unit, launched in 2023, closely monitors the 15 highest-risk VAWG offenders in Dorset. The team takes an early-intervention approach aimed at preventing escalation in abusive behaviour and strengthening safeguards for victims.

Latest data shows the strategy is working: offenders under the unit’s supervision have reduced their VAWG-related offending by 59 per cent over the past six months and by 40 per cent across the last year.

While the primary goal is to stop offending before it starts, the unit’s detailed knowledge of high-risk individuals also enables officers to act quickly when crimes do occur, helping to locate suspects, support prosecutions, and secure further protective measures for victims.

That approach was recently demonstrated in the case of Matthew Ashley Foster-Smith, 46, of Bournemouth. He was convicted of stalking offences committed between May and October 2023 and sentenced to two years and two months in prison.

Following his conviction, officers from the High Harm Unit successfully applied for a Stalking Prevention Order at Poole Magistrates’ Court on 8 January 2026. The order will remain in place indefinitely after his release.

The conditions require Foster-Smith to keep police updated on his address and vehicle details, maintain regular contact with his offender manager, and prohibit any contact with his victim. He is also subject to strict restrictions on his use of electronic communications devices.

Detective Inspector Marcus McCorkell of the High Harm Unit said:
“We want all members of our communities to be safe and feel safe, but evidence shows that women and girls are disproportionately impacted by violent and harassing behaviour.

“We recently launched our *Here for Her Safety* campaign, highlighting our commitment to tackling VAWG offences and encouraging victims to come forward and seek support.

“Managing the perpetrators who pose the greatest risk is central to this work. The High Harm Unit has delivered real results, and we will continue to focus on preventing reoffending while responding swiftly to protect and support victims when needed.”