Multiple-occupancy houses and licensed premises were targeted during a day of action as police and partner agencies came together to tackle anti-social behaviour in Bournemouth.
On Wednesday 17 November 2021 Dorset Police joined forces with Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council to address some of the key local concerns raised by residents and businesses in the West Hill area.
This was an intelligence-led day of action targeting properties identified as unauthorised houses in multiple occupation with some reports of occupants acting anti-socially, and licensed premises who have contributed to alcohol related anti-social behaviour in the area.
Police officers and council staff maintained high visibility patrols in the open area spaces throughout the day and licensing officers from both agencies spot-checked premises to ensure they were selling alcohol in a responsible way. During these checks two licensed premises were given advice.
Three buildings were identified as unauthorised houses in multiple occupation. One property was identified with disrepair issues.
During the day, a section 35 dispersal order was issued ordering a man to leave the area for 24 hours after he was seen acting in an anti-social manner in The Triangle.
A 34-year-old man from Bournemouth who was wanted in connection with alleged commercial burglaries in Bournemouth town centre was arrested on suspicion of burglary. He is currently assisting officers with their enquiries
A number of individuals who were seen to be acting anti-socially were spoken to about their behaviour and asked to leave the area.
Neighbourhood Inspector Darren Harris said: “Tackling anti-social behaviour is a key priority for Dorset Police and we are working hard every day to address these issues through our continued work supporting Operation Relentless – the Force’s commitment to our communities to tackle anti-social behaviour.
“The day of action was developed in partnership with Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council to support the concerns from local communities, which we hope will promote public confidence and demonstrate that we take criminality and anti-social behaviour issues in Dorset very seriously.”
Anti-social behaviour encompasses a wide range of issues including continuous noise or parties, vandalism, misuse of communal areas or public spaces and alcohol-related disturbances. Anti-social behaviour is a very visible form of disruption and is closely linked to how safe people feel. When it is persistent it can have a significant impact on people’s lives.
Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset, David Sidwick said: “I am delighted to see real partnership working in action and I am especially pleased to see checks being carried out on licensed premises during national Alcohol Awareness Week. Having Dorset Police and BCP Council working together to tackle ASB brings to life my Police and Crime Plan. This type of joint action is exactly what I want to see more of, as it is only by working with our partners, that we will be able to drive down ASB and achieve a positive change for our residents and communities.”
Councillor Bobbie Dove, Portfolio holder for Community Safety and Regulatory Services, said: “BCP Council are committed to working with communities and partner agencies to address issues of concern. The day of action is about agencies coming together to tackle a wide range of reported issues in a focused area. Teams take a proactive approach in engaging with the community and businesses, a balance approach is taken and where necessary enforcement action is considered.”
Dorset Police wants to empower communities to help fight this issue and take the ‘anti’ away from anti-social. It is important that people report incidents of anti-social behaviour involving loud, abusive, rowdy or intimidating alcohol-related behaviour, drug misuse and intimidating gangs of people to Dorset Police.
You can report anti-social behaviour online at dorset.police.uk/contact-us. As always in an emergency where life is at risk or a crime is being committed dial 999.