Dorset Police news site

Dorset Police is working with partners to ensure residents, visitors and businesses can enjoy a ‘good safe summer’.

Earlier this week, the Force hosted two events alongside BCP Council, Dorset Council, Weymouth Town Council, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue and Business Improvement Districts across the county to discuss ongoing efforts to ensure everyone is safe and can feel safe this summer.

Members of the public can expect to see increased patrols from uniformed officers at key locations throughout the county, with planning well underway in responding to the increased demands the warmer weather brings.

A key focus for police will be in tackling violent crime and anti-social behaviour – a Force priority and something regularly raised as a concern by members of the public.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Callaghan said: “Dorset remains a safe place to live and visit. As one of the top 10 safest counties in the country we hope this additional focus on community safety alongside our partners will be welcomed by residents and support our ongoing efforts to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour further.

“Our collective efforts have seen reported anti-social behaviour reduce by six per cent last year compared to the previous year and a huge 40 per cent since 2021 thanks to a range of partnership operations and initiatives.

“With longer days and warmer weather, the summer is our busiest time of the year and we are listening to the concerns of our communities and acting on them.

”Officers and police community support officers will be able to make use of dispersal powers to direct people away from our towns or surrender alcohol if they have been acting in an anti-social manner. Anyone who continues to come to notice will be considered for further action, such as community protection notices and criminal behaviour orders.

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick said: “We know that Dorset is a popular destination particularly in the summer months as millions of visitors flock to take advantage of our stunning scenery and coastline.

“That’s why it is important residents have confidence we are ready to tackle the extra demand to ensure our wonderful county remains one of the safest places in the country.

“Through robust enforcement, continued strong partnership working and the co-operation of the public, let’s make this a Good Safe Summer for everyone.”

Cllr Kieron Wilson, BCP Council Portfolio Holder for Housing and Regulatory Services said: “We know that serious incidents in the past have impacted people’s perception of safety in Bournemouth town centre. The Council has not shied away from these challenges and with the support its partners, including Dorset Police, has undertaken important work and achieved significant progress that’s beginning to help restore confidence in our area.

“Through award-winning partnerships, we have reduced anti-social behaviour and serious violence across the region, whilst investing heavily in greater CCTV across our seafront and in our town centres. 

“With 15 miles of beautiful coastline, three distinct town centres, diverse high streets and 1,500 hectares of natural open spaces, it’s no surprise that we welcome around 10 million visitors a year to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. With its partners, the Council is committed to ensuring everyone who lives, works or visits our coastal resort has a positive and safe experience, and is prepared to deliver that this summer season.” 

Cllr Nick Ireland, Leader of Dorset Council, said: "Weymouth is a great place and we want everyone to feel safe whether they are visiting or if they live here. We work hard to keep people safe through the presence of our Community Safety Patrol Officers, Civic Enforcement Officers and through funding of the Safer Streets Partnership and Pineapple Project. Dorset Council provides a visible, reassuring presence in lots of different ways. 

"Working with our partners means we can share local information so we can react to community concerns. Through an agreement with the town council, we ensure the beach and the esplanade are cleaned daily, any parking issues are dealt with swiftly and we put on additional waste collections to keep the town looking its best."

Area Manager Jason Moncrieff said: “We have already experienced a number of heath fires across Dorset this year, with many acres of our beautiful countryside suffering significant damage.

“The risks of fire are even greater when the weather is good and the holidays start, so we would urge both local people and visitors to take extra care when out and about. An easy way to protect our heaths and wildlife is to #BringAPicnicNotABBQ, so please do think twice before lighting a campfire or disposable barbecue.”

Cllr David Harris, Council Leader at Weymouth Town Council, said: “As we know, Weymouth is a popular resort, and by working in partnership with the police and other agencies we help to ensure everyone has a good experience of our wonderful town.

“Weymouth Town Council’s Resort Team carry out daily patrols and general inspections of the beach, and refer any incidents on to police or Community Safety Accredited Scheme officers as and when required.

“They attend regular meetings with the neighbourhood policing team to discuss any operational issues, and look at the week ahead including talking about any upcoming events like summer fireworks nights.”

Members of the public can keep up to date with the latest on social media by searching for the hashtag #GoodSafeSummer