Preparing Dorset for a Good Safe Summer

As Dorset enters its busiest and most pressured season, I know planning for this period with partners has been intensive over the past few months. As part of this work, the Force has launched the Good Safe Summer campaign in May, bringing together the police, local authorities, businesses and community partners to help ensure that residents and visitors can enjoy everything the county has to offer safely and responsibly.

With millions of visitors expected across Dorset's towns, beaches and attractions over the summer, the campaign focuses on preventing crime, reducing anti-social behaviour and maintaining a visible policing presence in key locations across the county. Throughout the summer, residents and visitors can expect to see increased high-visibility patrols in busy town centres, beachfronts and tourist hotspots. Neighbourhood Policing Teams, patrol officers, Police Community Support Officers, Special Constables and affiliated community safety partners will be working together to provide reassurance and respond quickly to concerns.

The Force and I, along with our partners, have made it clear that anti-social behaviour, violence and criminal activity will not be tolerated. Officers will use appropriate powers wherever necessary to protect communities and ensure public spaces remain safe for everyone. Since the campaign launched last month, the Force has already dealt with a wide range of incidents, including carrying out warrants in relation to dangerous dogs, tracking down and returning a stolen motorhome, making arrests for drug offences, responding to shoplifting incidents and conducting welfare checks on vulnerable people.

I know many residents have been concerned by the recent disorder witnessed on Bournemouth's seafront. The violence and anti-social behaviour displayed by a small minority was completely unacceptable and understandably caused alarm among those who were simply enjoying our beaches and public spaces. I fully support the swift response of Dorset Police officers, who acted professionally and courageously to protect the public and prevent further escalation. Let me be clear: this type of behaviour will not be tolerated in Dorset. Dorset Police will continue to work closely with partners to tackle disorder, reassure local communities and ensure that Bournemouth, and the wider county, remains a safe and welcoming place for residents and visitors alike this summer.

Alongside increased patrols and robust enforcement action against anti-social behaviour, Operation Show has been launched in Bournemouth. This initiative sees dedicated officers from local Neighbourhood Policing Teams patrolling the beach, pier and promenade throughout the day and evening. Officers have also continued to carry out Operation Nightjar, which focuses foot patrols on the busiest areas around Bournemouth's bars and clubs. Working closely with partners, officers are helping to prevent disorder, safeguard vulnerable people and respond quickly to emerging issues.

In our rural communities, the Rural Crime Team is supporting Operation Recall, which encourages dog owners to keep their pets under effective control when walking in rural areas this summer. The aim is to reduce livestock worrying and dog attacks. Mounted Rural Volunteers are also increasing patrols, supporting local communities, covering rural areas and acting as additional eyes and ears for the police in more remote locations.

Dorset Police will continue to work closely with Dorset Council, BCP Council, Weymouth Town Council, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, Business Improvement Districts and other partners to coordinate summer safety activity across the county.

This collaborative approach helps ensure that resources are focused where they are needed most and that residents, businesses and visitors receive consistent safety messaging throughout the summer period. By working together, we can help ensure that Dorset remains one of the safest places in the country to live, work and visit.

The Good Safe Summer campaign will continue throughout the holiday period, with officers and partners maintaining a visible presence across Dorset's communities and visitor destinations. The additional investment in neighbourhood policing, alongside proactive work to tackle issues such as anti-social behaviour, retail crime and knife crime, demonstrates a clear commitment to keeping Dorset one of the safest places in the country.

I encourage everyone to play their part. Whether you live here or are visiting, please act responsibly and look out for one another – we will not tolerate any kind of disorder. By working together, we can ensure that Dorset remains a safe, welcoming and enjoyable place for all this summer.

David Sidwick

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner