Bournemouth South

Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB)

Location:
The Triangle

Describe the issue & its affects:
We have seen reports of ASB and street drinking in the Triangle area of Bournemouth, causing nuisance to local businesses and the community

What action will you take to tackle the issue:

- High visibility and plain clothes patrols.
- Community contact point.
- Robust enforcement of legislation.
- Use of stop and search and section 35 dispersal notices.
- Engagement with partner agencies such as ASB team, CSAS and environmental services.

November Update:
- We have been working closely with partners including the ASB Team, Business Improvement District (BID), Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS) officers and Town Rangers to patrol the area. Police officers alone have carried out almost 1,200 minutes of dedicated patrols over the last month.
- We continue to monitor street drinking and drug-related activity around Commercial Lane and have supported partner agencies in clearing an encampment and associated waste from the area. We have also used a range of policing powers, including stop and search and the arrest of individuals suspected of committing offences. Section 35 dispersal notices have been issued to prevent individuals from returning to the area for a specified period.
- Working alongside the BCP ASB Team, we gathered intelligence relating to an address in Bradburne Road, which resulted in a three-month closure order being secured.
- Local businesses have reported a noticeable improvement in the atmosphere within the area, which is encouraging feedback for all agencies involved. We will also be holding a community contact point in the near future, so please keep an eye out for the advertised date if you would like to come along and speak with us.

October update:
- This is a newly refreshed priority for the area and updates will follow.

Drug Dealing

Location:
Suffolk Road and Upper Gardens

Describe the issue & its affects:
We have seen an increase in reports of drug dealing in the area, causing frustration to the local community. The impact of drug dealing are well documented, particularly the effects on the vulnerable drug users.

What action will you take to tackle the issue:

- High and plain clothes patrols.
- Engagement with support services such as we are with you and St Mungos.
- Utilising powers such as stop and search, and section 35 dispersal notices.
- Robust enforcement for those found to be committing crimes.

November Update:
- We are aware of concerns regarding drug dealing in the area and continue to take positive action to address the issue. During a recent day of action, officers targeted suspected drug-related activity and made arrests on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs. Those investigations remain ongoing.
- We regularly patrol the location, both in uniform and plain clothes, and make use of stop and search powers where appropriate. By maintaining a visible presence and taking enforcement action against those involved in criminality, we aim to disrupt drug-related activity and improve the environment for residents, businesses and visitors.

October update:
- This is a newly refreshed priority for the area and updates will follow

Retail Crime

Location:
Queens Road

Describe the issue & its affects:
We have seen an increase in shoplifting in the Queens Road area of Bournemouth, impacting local retailers.

What action will you take to tackle the issue:
- Hi-visibility patrols.
- Engagement with the effected premises.
- Positive action when suspects are identified.
- Utilise criminal and civil legislation to bring offenders to justice.

November Update:
- Retail crime remains a priority for the Neighbourhood Policing Team, and we continue to work closely with local businesses to identify and deal with offenders.
- In September, a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) observed a known offender leaving the Co-op on Queens Road carrying a basket full of unpaid items. The PCSO pursued the individual, with support from attending officers, and the suspect was subsequently located and arrested. During the arrest, officers also found the individual in possession of controlled drugs.
- Following a police interview, the offender was charged with offences and is due to appear before the court in November.
- We recognise the significant impact that shoplifting and associated anti-social behaviour can have on retail staff and businesses, and we want to reassure employees that Dorset Police takes these offences extremely seriously. Through proactive policing and effective partnership working, Bournemouth Town Centre has seen a 32.8% reduction in recorded shoplifting offences compared to the previous year. In addition, 41% of shoplifting offences have resulted in positive outcomes, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to tackling retail crime, supporting businesses and holding offenders to account.

October update:
- This is a newly refreshed priority for the area and updates will follow