Bournemouth councillors delay decision to recruit five new community safety officers
Bournemouth Town Council has paused plans to hire five new community safety officers, despite concerns over town centre crime like shoplifting
A decision to recruit five new community safety officers has been delayed by councillors until more evidence can be reviewed.
The proposed officers, expected to cost £250,000 a year, would patrol Bournemouth under the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS), providing a visible presence to help deter low-level crime and anti-social behaviour in the town centre.
At a recent Bournemouth Town Council meeting, Councillor Jeff Hanna put forward the plan, which was welcomed in principle, but members agreed to a “constructive pause” to ensure the investment is backed by robust evidence, professional analysis, and full transparency.
Councillors said they had not seen vital information such as crime pattern analysis, an operational plan, or a detailed cost breakdown, making it difficult to reach an informed decision.
CSAS officers are uniformed, trained personnel with limited enforcement powers.
Under the scheme, they can address issues such as aggressive begging, dangerous e-bike and scooter riding, loutish behaviour, and shoplifting.
Councillor Mark Harper said: “We all want a safer, more vibrant Bournemouth. A pause now will help us make the strongest, smartest decision for residents.
“This is a positive step. It strengthens the proposal, ensures due diligence, and gives councillors confidence that public money is being spent wisely.”
Councillor Jeff Hanna said: “I would understand it, if these motions have been sprung on the Council without warning but I discussed the motion to all councillors in July.
“It was particularly disappointing that it was Reform’s Cllr Mark Harper, whose previous work was in law enforcement, who demanded multiple reports on crime in the area, and the use of CSAS officers, delaying any decision on deterring the crime and anti-social behaviour that causes residents so much concern, to the point of some avoiding Bournemouth altogether.
“It does not take statistical reports to know there is a problem that needs to be addressed.
“An evaluation report by Christchurch Council confirming continued use of their CSAS officer was attached to the motion that I put.
“This seems to be delay to the point of indecision and deliberate prevarication.”