Dorset Police news site

Residents, business owners and visitors to Dorset’s most popular tourist destinations can expect continued high-visibility patrols during the summer holidays as part of the Force’s Good, Safe Summer campaign.

Throughout July and August, the neighbourhood policing teams (NPT) and patrol teams will provide high-visibility, uniformed foot patrols at peak times around busy town centres and beachfronts as part of their commitment to reduce anti-social behaviour (ASB) and criminal activity across the county. Police community support officers (PCSO), special constables and local authority community safety patrol officers (CSAS) will also be visible around busy beachfronts and town centres daily.

Officers will use dispersal powers to direct people away from the areas if they act in an anti-social manner. Repeated ASB by individuals may lead to further action, including community protection notices (CPN) and criminal behaviour orders (CBO).

Additionally, NPT officers will continue to work closely with partner agencies, including local authority ASB teams and Business Improvement Districts (BID), to ensure that the whole county remains a safe place to live, work and visit.

Local policing commander Julie Howe, of Dorset Police, said: “Dorset welcomes over 25 million day visitors every year and remains one of the safest counties in the country to live, visit and work. We are committed in our efforts to ensure residents, business owners and visitors to Dorset feel safe and can enjoy their time here.

“So far this summer we have already had many visitors and locals enjoying what our county has to offer. However, the school holidays throughout July and August tend to be our busiest time of the year.

“Our officers will continue to work collaboratively with our local partners and other emergency services to respond to incidents, as well as make full use of the powers at their disposal to tackle those committing crime or behaving in an anti-social manner. I would like to reiterate my message to please enjoy yourselves in a safe and responsible way this summer.”

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick said: “Through high-visibility patrols, robust policing and effective community engagement, Dorset Police will continue to ensure everyone who lives, works and visits Dorset is safe – and feels safe - this summer.

“I know the next few weeks are likely to be even busier than they have already, and I am confident the Force is prepared to tackle the extra demand and ensure our area remains one of the safest places in the country.

“Together, with our partners, we are very clear; if you are coming to Dorset to cause harm or commit crime or anti-social behaviour, you are not welcome and will be dealt with swiftly and robustly.

“My thanks go to everyone, including members of the public, who are committed to ensuring we have a Good, Safe Summer in our brilliant area.”

Councillor Richard Herrett, BCP Council Cabinet Member for Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations, said: "We are lucky to live in a beautiful part of the country and each year we welcome around 10 million visitors to the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) area, who come to enjoy everything we have to offer in the area.

“Keeping everyone safe whilst they are having fun is our priority, and our work during the summer months with all our partners, and initiatives like our LV=Kidzone beach safety scheme, which we have been running for almost two decades and helps to reunite lost children and vulnerable adults with their loved ones on our busy beaches, are vital.”

You can keep up to date on the work of NPT officers by following their individual pages on Facebook. If you have any concerns about ASB in your area, please speak to one of the team while they are out on patrol. Alternatively, please contact Dorset Police by visiting www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.