Dorset Police news site

Dorset Police and British Transport Police (BTP) carried out an operation to take action against those likely to cause anti-social behaviour in Bournemouth on Friday.

Officers were deployed to Bournemouth train station to engage with visitors to the area, to ensure they were behaving and everyone can have a good safe summer in the town and on the beach.

A section 35 dispersal order was in place to allow officers to instruct those who were likely to cause anti-social behaviour or crime to leave the area.

Staff from South Western Railway also took part in the day of action, tackling those who travel on the rail network without a ticket.

Inspector Matt Buller, of Bournemouth Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Our role is to engage with people, show we’re accessible and try to prevent suspected crime from happening through highly visible foot patrols in hotspot locations to deal with minor issues before they could escalate into more significant incidents. We know that many people visiting the area from London and the South East for a day out at the beach arrive by train and it is important we ensure everyone can do this safely and deal with those robustly who are intent on disrupting our residents or other visitors.

“Over recent weeks more than 130 dispersal notices have been issued by Dorset officers to ensure the beach is a safe space for everyone to enjoy. We’ve also seen a reduction in reported anti-social behaviour in the area, which has reduced by five per cent since April versus the same period last year thanks to additional proactive high visibility patrols in key hotspot locations.

“We recognise that anti-social behaviour is a concern for our communities and understand a number of recent events may have caused members of the public heightened concern. We’re keen to reassure communities that we’re tackling these issues with officers proactively patrolling key locations using appropriate policing tactics and are working with partners to ensure people are safe and can feel safe within the town.

“We will use all technology available to us, such as police drones and the vast BCP Council CCTV network to identify and target those who are intent on committing crime and anti-social behaviour.

“Our message is very clear that we want everyone to have a good, safe summer, but anyone who is found to be involved in crime or disorder is not welcome here.”

British Transport Police Sergeant Ryan Wood said: “Bournemouth is a great place to visit and everyone has the right to travel there without fear of disruptive or criminal behaviour. Our officers will be working with our trusted partners, Dorset Police and South Western Railway, to keep the public safe and deter any disorderly behaviour.

"We want all visitors to enjoy themselves, but when there are reports of criminality, we will take action. We encourage staff and passengers to report crimes or concerns to us. We have officers across the rail network, at stations and on trains, and crimes can be discreetly reported to us via text to 61016, and in an emergency, always call 999."

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “I am pleased to see this visible and robust operation at this key gateway into one of our busiest towns.

“Visitors to our area are of course welcome, but for those intent on coming here and causing disruption, this presence is very welcome and hopefully sends a clear message.

“Operations like this, alongside the intensive, focused work Dorset Police is doing as part of the Good Safe Summer campaign, demonstrates that we are taking public safety seriously, and will not tolerate any disorder or criminality.

“The work Dorset Police are doing day in, and day out is working, and I thank them and our partners for their commitment during this exceptionally busy time.”