Dorset's PCC: 'Bournemouth is a safe place'
David Sidwick believes the town has been misrepresented in some crime reports - and the articles "aren't reflective of the whole picture"
Dorset's Police and Crime Commissioner has hit back at what he describes as "fearmongering headlines" from national media about Bournemouth.
David Sidwick believes the town has been misrepresented in some crime reports - and the articles "aren't reflective of the whole picture".
He says that the county's police force is working tirelessly to keep residents and visitors safe.
In an open letter, Mr Sidwick said: "This summer dedicated Dorset Police officers, staff and volunteers have been working tirelessly to keep residents and visitors safe in our county. This exceptionally busy period is a particularly challenging time for Dorset Police, balancing the vast influx of day visitors and holidaymakers alongside daily policing demands.
"Our Force gets no extra funding for policing hundreds of thousands of extra people each year, there are no ‘spare’ police officers and staff to bring out for the summer season; it falls to under pressure officers, staff and volunteers to stretch themselves even further to cover this significant demand.
"Despite the ongoing challenging funding situation, Dorset Police have ensured extra police patrols in our busiest areas, bolstering visibility in hotspots and increasing their engagement with the public. Targeted patrols in these crime hotspot areas, including in Bournemouth, have seen some terrific results, significantly reducing ASB and violent crime.
"A number of operations including Beach Beat, Op Track which focuses on anti-social behaviour and violent crime hotspots, Op Fireglow which focuses on youth hotspots including the Central and Lower Gardens, Op Nightjar, which supports the night-time economy, keeping people calm and safe after dark and Op Vigilant which sees covert officers patrolling and flagging suspicious behaviour of potential predators to uniform police are all taking place to keep people safe.
"I am under no illusion that Bournemouth, like many other towns across the country - seaside towns in particular - has seen significant changes over the years, increasing demand on policing and our partners.
"Compared to 2021, violent crime, sexual assaults, knife crime and anti-social behaviour are down in Bournemouth town centre. Dorset Police have been rated as ‘good’ by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services for recording crime, meaning our data is reliable.
"I fully accept there is still work to do to turn this around – and change people’s perceptions – however, it is a fact that Bournemouth continues to be a busy tourist town, and each year, the swell of visitors from spring to autumn brings extra demand.
"While we can’t change how the media report, what I hope to do here is ask the public to remember that these articles aren’t reflective of the whole picture. Bournemouth is a safe place, and I am clear that our work, alongside that of our partners continues.
"We’re not naïve to what still must be done, and no-one is turning a blind eye; rather, as ever, Dorset Police officers, staff and volunteers are doing more and more with less to ensure you, the public stay safe. They are the men and women running towards danger, and they are the people ensuring justice is served for as many people as possible when the worst does happen."