Anti-organised crime initiative launched

Dorset Police is aiming to eliminate serious organised crime from Bournemouth

An initiative to target organised crime and other offences in Bournemouth is being launched.

The Bournemouth Together project sees Dorset Police working with other bodies, including Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council, to help eliminate serious organised crime.

It is based on the national strategy of a so-called Clear Hold Build approach.

Dorset police and crime commissioner (PCC) David Sidwick said it would make a "real difference" in the resort.

The project takes a three-phase approach that first focuses on eliminating serious organised crime from an area.

The hold phase sees the area stabilised to stop criminals moving in on cleared areas.

The third phase aims to address the causes of crime and prevent it from happening again.

Police said high profile patrols in Bournemouth's Lower Gardens, among other locations, had already had a positive impact

Mr Sidwick said the project needed "community buy in".

“I recognise the concerns about issues including drug activity and anti-social behaviour in this area, and I want to assure the public we are listening and working closely with our partners to ensure proper change takes place," he said.

"Now is the time for action but we need the support of the public to make sure these changes are permanent."

Dorset Police said high profile patrols in Lower Gardens, West Cliff and Old Christchurch Road had already removed organised crime groups from the streets.

It said 49 people had been arrested and illegal drugs, vapes and tobacco products valued at more than £200,000 have been seized since March.

Ch Insp Darren Harris said: "We want Bournemouth to be a place where our communities can feel safe, free of concerns about crime and anti-social behaviour, and we will continue to work with our partners to tackle organised crime and build resilient communities."