Dorset Police tackle anti-social behaviour with increased patrols
More police will be out and about in Weymouth and Bournemouth today
Last updated 6th Aug 2021
Officers are continuing to target anti-social behaviour (ASB) across the county and patrols are taking place today in Weymouth and Bournemouth.
As part of Operation Relentless – the Force’s commitment to drive down anti-social behaviour - they want to remind residents and visitors that Dorset Police takes a tough approach to ASB and send a very clear message to those involved that it simply will not be tolerated in the county.
Chief Inspector Adrian Thompson, the Force’s ASB lead, said: “ASB is a very visible form of disruption and is closely linked to how safe people feel. When it is persistent it can have a significant impact on people’s lives.
“Operation Relentless has been introduced to show that the Force takes this issue seriously. These patrols will not only show our communities that we are committed to this, but we hope that it will act as a deterrent to those who may act in a way that is unacceptable.
“We want to empower our communities to help us fight this issue and take the anti away from anti-social by reporting incidents, including loud, abusive, rowdy or intimidating behaviour, drug misuse and intimidating gangs of people to Dorset Police.”
Overall reports of ASB have fallen across the county over the last two years. However, it traditionally increases over the summer months and tackling it remains a Force priority.
You can report ASB online or by calling Dorset Police on 101. As always in an emergency where life is at risk or a crime is being committed dial 999.
The police and other local agencies have a variety of different powers to tackle anti-social behaviour. As a guide, local councils have the powers to deal with:
- Abandoned vehicles.
- Graffiti and flyposting.
- Damage to public property.
- Rubbish and fly tipping.
- Noise, including loud music, noisy neighbours, parties, alarms, animals and noise from pubs and clubs.