100 Days of Summer - Extra police patrols return to Weymouth
Residents and visitors to Weymouth will notice an enhanced visible police presence in the town centre this summer in a bid to reduce anti-social behaviour
Last updated 9th Jun 2023
Dorset Police are cracking down on anti-social behaviour with the launch of their 100 Days of Summer campaign.
The police force has identified six anti-social behaviour hotspots in Weymouth’s town centre that officers will patrol throughout the day, such as The Esplanade, the train station and the Victorian shelters situated on the seafront.
The campaign has previously seen a 22% reduction in anti-social behaviour but hasn't been in operation since 2019 due to cutbacks following the pandemic.
Weymouth and Portland Neighbourhood Inspector Sam Goom said: “We are committed to ensuring that everyone in Weymouth feels safe and can enjoy themselves.”
Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick told us that Dorset, as a whole, has seen a 13% reduction in anti-social behaviour and he believes more visible patrolling in Weymouth will see the town follow the same trend.
Patrols began on 30 May and will continue until the first week of September.
PCSO Sunny Scadden said: “The main problems are street drinkers who like to go into the shelters which can deter some people. The elderly, especially, get a bit frightened when they walk past people drinking and stuff, so we're there just to be a presence for the 100 days.”
PC Farwell added: “It is directly impacting people’s business and their lifestyle because it’s not pleasant to see and not pleasant to hear.”
The officers informed us that they received numerous reports from hoteliers along The Esplanade alleging that anti-social behaviour was “putting people off from visiting Weymouth.”
According to PCC Sidwick those same hoteliers have “reported a drop off” in anti-social behaviour since the campaign started. PCSO Scadden agreed: “The response has been positive. Residents, business owners and holidaymakers all really like seeing us out here.”
As part of the drive to reduce ASB in the town, the neighbourhood team will work closely with partner agencies throughout the summer.
Partners include Dorset Council’s ASB team, Weymouth Town Council, the Lantern Trust, Julian House, and REACH. Dorset Police is also part of with the Safer Streets partnership that seeks to divert individuals from causing ASB and crime.
PC Farwell made it clear that the scheme isn’t just about issuing section 35s, he said: “We look to build a rapport with these people because it's not a matter of just policing everything they do, it’s also a matter of getting them the help that they may need so that we can divert their anti-social behaviour.”
PCC Sidwick concluded: “From the moment I became PCC I have heard, from the public, the hugely negative impact ASB has on communities, which is why I made it priority 1 of my Police and Crime Plan.
“By bringing together enforcement and diversion we can tackle the blight that ASB is on our communities and work towards making Dorset the safest county.”