A high-profile multi-agency initiative to reduce organised crime and improve community safety in Bournemouth officially launches this weekend.
‘Bournemouth Together’ is a partnership project which will see increased targeted activity to reduce criminal behaviour such as drug offences, antisocial behaviour, violent crime and the exploitation of vulnerable people in the town centre.
Developed from the Clear Hold Build model – a national initiative from the Home Office – the project takes a three-phase approach focused on eliminating serious organised crime from an area, building community resilience, improving trust and confidence in the police, and making the area a safer place to live and work.
Work began in March with the ‘Clear’ phase and will place the community at the heart of the project.
It will see Dorset Police and South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SW ROCU) work closely with partners including BCP Council to strengthen communities and prevent those at risk from being drawn into crime.
The three stages to the Bournemouth Together initiative include:
Clear – Targeted activity and crime disruption led by Dorset Police which includes enhanced visible patrols, arrests, warrants, and the use of dispersal powers.
Hold – Stabilise the area to stop criminals moving in on cleared areas to ensure spaces remain safe.
Build – Community-driven action to address the causes of crime and prevent it from happening again.
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick said: “Bournemouth Together is a crucial initiative designed to make a real difference to the lives of those who live and work in Bournemouth town centre.
“I recognise the concerns about issues including drug activity and anti-social behaviour in this area, and I want to assure the public we are listening and working closely with our partners to ensure proper change takes place. Now is the time for action but we need the support of the public to make sure these changes are permanent.
“It is vital you report your intelligence to us. The Clear, Hold, Build initiative needs community buy-in and we are all determined to deliver meaningful long-term change for the community.
“I am urging those who live and work in the town to contact us with information. If you want to see improvements, work with us, and help make the town centre even safer.”
Chief Inspector Darren Harris, Neighbourhood Policing lead for BCP local policing area, said: “We know that organised crime is a concern for many people living and working in Bournemouth.
“As part of Bournemouth Together, our officers have been carrying out warrants and increased patrols in Lower Gardens, West Cliff and Old Christchurch Road and have been successful in removing organised crime groups from the streets.
“Since March 2024, 49 people have been arrested and illegal drugs, vapes and tobacco products valued over £200,000 have been seized as part of the initiative. 14 adults and five children have also been safeguarded and are receiving support from partner agencies.
“We hope that the work we’re doing in Bournemouth reassures residents that we take their reports seriously. We want Bournemouth to be a place where our communities can feel safe, free of concerns about crime and anti-social behaviour, and we will continue to work with our partners to tackle organised crime and build resilient communities.”
Sophie Sajic, Head of Public Protection for BCP Council, said: “Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council have a vast amount of enforcement legislation to influence behavioural and environmental change within our community for the good of our town centre.
“We take a multi-agency approach to issues to ensure long term results and are pleased to support Dorset Police and our wider partners on the Clear, Hold, Build initiative, as the work we do as part of this project directly feeds into our commitment to the Town Centre Action Partnership.”
Bournemouth is the first place in Dorset to roll-out Clear, Hold, Build. Similar projects, based on the same model, have been rolled out across the country, and have proven to reduce crime and violence while also improving partnership work and community relationships.
A special launch event will take place in Bournemouth town centre from 10am on Saturday 13 July where members of the public can come and speak to representatives from Dorset Police, BCP Council, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and other relevant agencies and groups.