Dorset’s Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick has responded to recent negative national media reports about Bournemouth, saying that crime has actually fallen in the town centre since twenty twenty-one.
Mr Sidwick said violent crime, sexual assaults, knife crime and anti-social behaviour have all reduced compared to previous years, despite claims that incidents are increasing. He called headlines describing Bournemouth as “overrun” and likening it to the “Wild West” irresponsible and inaccurate.
On the issue of hotels being used to house asylum seekers, Mr Sidwick said they have been used in Bournemouth since 2014, not just in recent years. He also warned against misinterpretation of court data, explaining that recorded addresses of defendants do not mean the offences happened locally.
Dedicated police officers, staff and volunteers have been working throughout the summer to ensure safety for residents and visitors. Dorset Police confirmed there is no extra funding for the additional demand brought by hundreds of thousands of seasonal visitors, meaning existing teams have to stretch resources further.
Operations have been taking place in key areas including the seafront and town centre. These include Beach Beat, focused on beach safety, Op Track targeting violent crime and anti-social behaviour, Op Fireglow monitoring youth hotspots, Op Nightjar supporting the night-time economy, and Op Vigilant using covert patrols to identify potential predators.
Mr Sidwick said: “Bournemouth is a safe place. Our work alongside partners continues and no-one is turning a blind eye. Dorset Police officers, staff and volunteers are doing more with less to keep the public safe.”
He added that Dorset remains one of the safest places in the country and that inaccurate national reporting damages the town’s reputation.
While acknowledging that more resources are needed and that challenges remain, he said Dorset Police have continued to deliver visible and robust policing, confiscating drugs and alcohol, dispersing groups when necessary and maintaining a strong presence in busy areas.
He reaffirmed his commitment to campaigning for more government funding to support officers, staff and volunteers, especially during the busiest months when visitor numbers put extra pressure on the Force.
