Dorset Police news site

Dorset Police has joined partners across Bournemouth to tackle anti-social behaviour, drug use and property concerns in the area.

The day of action, held on Wednesday 28 June 2023 saw officers and staff from Dorset Police, BCP Council Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS) officers, Trading Standards, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue as well as BCP Council anti-social behaviour and private sector housing teams come together to tackle common concerns raised by residents.

Inspector Ady Thompson, of Bournemouth police, said: “These days of action are vital in bringing partners together to tackle those issues that are of concern to our communities.

“The activity from the day of action represents our ongoing commitment to solving areas of concern by working alongside our partners such as the local authority and fire and rescue service to tackle those carrying out antisocial behaviour and criminality.

“As part of this operation, police and other agencies have targeted those businesses involved in the suspected illegal supply of nitrous oxide and these efforts are continuing. 

“The use of Nitrous Oxide (NOS) is increasingly linked to anti-social behaviour and has implications for your health if inhaled. It is illegal to supply the substance for its psychoactive effects under the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016.

“I am hopeful this action will show communities we are listening to them and responding – I would encourage them to continue to raise any concerns they have.”

Results of the day of action included:

• The arrest of a 30-year-old man for shoplifting and breach of a criminal behaviour order who will attend court to deal with the matter
• Police seized six bottles of nitrous oxide gas (known as NOS) from a licensed convenience store
• Police issued a community resolution for possession of cannabis to a 55-year-old man at a house of multiple occupancy (HMO) property
• Police licensing team issued a licence breach to a store selling single cans of alcohol and alcohol over a certain limit
• Police licensing, CSAS officers and neighbourhood police officers visited a total of seven convenience stores to check they were adhering to their conditions
• Trading Standards seized 528 illegal vapes and 6.2kg of illegal tobacco from a convenience store
• BCP Council and the private housing sector team along with neighbourhood police officers visited a HMO property finding some immigration concerns to be raised with relevant agencies about individuals who need support
• The fire safety team completed a panel check at a HMO due to it showing a fault whilst in attendance
• Council licensing visited a further two premises for compliance checks

In addition to the above, agencies carried out proactive patrols across the town, focusing on Lorne Park Road, Trinity Road, Old Christchurch Road, Lansdowne and the surrounding areas. Drug users were moved on and hot spots for rough sleepers were also checked following complaints around tents and other personal possessions being left in public spaces.

Councillor Kieron Wilson, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Regulatory Services: “The safety of our residents is our main priority and we are committed to ensuring BCP remains an ideal, thriving location for people to live, work, invest and play.

“Cohesive working with our multi-agency partners is crucial, and this day of action showcases how effectively we can work as a unit, alongside our local communities, to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) and criminality.

“The work of our ASB and Community Safety Patrol Officers (CSAS) is year-round and completely dedicated to protecting our communities with the support of our partners. To file a report, or for help and advice, contact our ASB Team directly on 01202 128883.” 

Group Manager Graham Kewley, Head of Fire Safety at Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The opportunity to share intelligence with partners and to respond to fire safety concerns raised by our communities are an essential component of our reactive response to fire safety. 

“Non-compliance with regulations in one part of a business are often indicators of possible non-compliance with other legislation. We would urge people to report any fire safety concerns to enforcement@dwfire.org.uk so that we can build on this joint working arrangement to improve safety for everyone.”

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “I know that ASB is an issue of great concern to many Dorset residents and on behalf of the public I would like to thank every one of the agencies involved in this day of action.

“This type of partnership working is vital in tackling ASB in our communities, it is only by sharing intelligence across agencies that we can truly combat every aspect of ASB. From checking on convenience stores, dealing with issues surrounding HMOs, tackling shoplifters and dealing with stores that sell illegal vapes – this is exactly the sort of enforcement work that the people of Dorset want to see happening.

“If ASB is the virus that plagues our communities, this type of joined-up partnership working is the antidote.”