VIOLENT CRIME DROPS IN SEASIDE TOWNS

A police campaign to reduce violence in Bournemouth and Weymouth town centres is being hailed a success as figures show a drop in this type of crime.

The Home Office funded campaign was rolled out in March, under the banner of ‘Operation Protect’, and saw increased enforcement and prevention activity across the two town centres.

This included poster and radio advertising, giving a warning to the minority of trouble-makers who commit alcohol-related crime and reassurance to those enjoying a night out on the town. Thousands of posters bearing safety messages were distributed to pubs and clubs in the town centres by Safer Neighbourhood Teams. Also, info-maps (pocket booklets with a handy map) were distributed to hotels in the areas to give to their guests.

Comparing the period between April-June 2008 with April-June 2009, Bournemouth town centre has seen a nine per cent reduction in the number of violent incidents whilst Weymouth town centre saw a 15 per cent drop. This equates to 36 fewer offences in Bournemouth and 30 less offences in Weymouth.

As a result of its success, police will now continue the campaign throughout the summer months, running alongside current activities such as high visibility and targeted patrols, the use of CCTV, radio link between pubs and clubs, multi-agency licensing visits, street pastors in Weymouth, section 27 dispersal orders (power to move individuals from a public place) and alcohol test strips.

Assistant Chief Constable Mike Glanville said: “I am very pleased to see a reduction in violent crime during this period and some of it can be attributed to the increased enforcement, prevention activity and media campaign. However, we will now continue this activity so we can improve the situation even further.

 “We want to ensure law-abiding pub and club goers feel safe and continue to enjoy the nightlife in both of these resorts.

 “Last year, violent crime in Dorset dropped overall by five per cent and in comparison to other forces, that is a very good performance, but we still have lots more work to do.

 “We are very focussed on protecting the public and tackling violence is a key priority for the force in keeping Dorset safe and feeling safe.”

 Additional measures to continue in Bournemouth include taxi marshals; a Safe Bus, a police officer, alongside regular operators, working in the CCTV suite directing foot patrols; anti-social behaviour patrols and enhanced high visibility patrols with some officers using head cams and other filming equipment to record any incidents of anti-social behaviour.

 Meanwhile, in Weymouth, continued measures will include incorporating fast food outlets into the Drink Safe Street Safe scheme; test purchasing at pubs and clubs with Trading Standards; improvements in Pub Watch; door staff trained by police; the use of Spikeys, which attach to the top of bottles to deter drink-spiking; and the use of an Alcohol Licensing Enforcement Officer.

 ACC Glanville continued: “If you are drunk you are more likely to be a victim of crime, therefore we are asking pub and club goers to consider the consequences of drinking too much alcohol. You may be risking your own safety by becoming separated from friends or trusting a stranger. Alternatively you may find it more difficult to walk away from trouble-makers and end up becoming a victim or perpetrator of violence.”

 Dorset Police want to work with you to reduce violent crime in Bournemouth and Weymouth town centres. Visit www.dorset.police.uk to see what you can do to help us reduce this type of crime in your town.