Police tackle anti-social behaviour for 'safe summer'

Dorset Police officers were at Bournemouth train station on Friday to interact with visitors

More than 130 dispersal orders have been issued by police in a bid to keep beaches safe, a force has said.

Dorset Police confirmed the orders were issued by officers in recent weeks to tackle anti-social behaviour.

Section 35 dispersal orders grant police extra powers to move people on from an area if officers have reasonable grounds to suspect they are there to engage in crime or disorder.

On Friday, the force worked with British Transport Police at Bournemouth train station to "engage with visitors to the area" and "ensure they were behaving".

Dorset Police officers have issued more than 130 dispersal orders in recent weeks to tackle anti-social behaviour

In a statement, Dorset Police said officers took part in the operation to "take action against those likely to cause anti-social behaviour in Bournemouth".

South Western Railway staff also took part in the day of action, tackling people travelling on the rail network without a ticket.

Officers said Friday was a chance to engage with visitors to the area and ensure a safe summer

Insp Matt Buller, from the Bournemouth neighbourhood policing team, said: "Our role is to engage with people, show we're accessible and try to prevent suspected crime from happening."

He said reports of anti-social behaviour in the area had reduced by 5% since April, compared to the same period in 2024.

'Good, safe summer'

"Over recent weeks, more than 130 dispersal notices have been issued by Dorset officers to ensure the beach is a safe space for everyone to enjoy," Insp Buller said.

Officers would be patrolling "key locations" to reassure communities and ensure people are "safe and can feel safe within the town", he said, adding: "Our message is very clear that we want everyone to have a good, safe summer but anyone who is found to be involved in crime or disorder is not welcome here."