Taxi firms team up with Dorset Police

Dorset Police is working with Weymouth-based taxi firms Bee Cars and Weyline Taxis to keep communities and visitors safe from anti-social behaviour and violent crime linked to the alcohol consumption.

Dorset Police recently launched Operation Relentless to remind residents and visitors that the Force takes a tough approach to anti-social behaviour (ASB) and send a very clear message to those involved that it simply will not be tolerated in the county.

In July 2021 a violent crime campaign – Don’t regret your night out – was launched to remind people of the consequences of overdoing it on a night out or at home with friends when the toxic cocktail of alcohol and violence are mixed.

Neighbourhood Policing Chief Inspector Ged Want, based in Weymouth, is focused on making sure everyone has an enjoyable and safe night out when they visit the county.

He said: “Weymouth, like all the major tourist locations in Dorset, is a vibrant and exciting place to visit and enjoy in the evenings. We want everyone to enjoy the space, but to also think about their actions especially when they have had too much to drink.

“ASB is a very emotive issue and has a real impact on the people it affects, particularly in how safe they feel. We have always worked with communities to help us tackle this issue and we want to make sure communities feel empowered to take the anti away from anti-social.

“We know that individuals are more likely to commit a crime when they’ve had a few drinks. A fun night out can easily turn into something unexpected and a violent offence could end in a criminal record impacting on your career and reputation. We would urge you to know when you’ve had enough to drink, plan a safe journey home, and look after each other.

“Working with a local taxi firm is a great opportunity for us to raise awareness of the issues they face, and to work with them to help us spread the message that individuals displaying intimidating, abusive, violent or rowdy behaviour will simply not be tolerated in Dorset.”

Taxi drivers play an important role in our communities in helping people to get home safe after a night out.

Ian Ferguson, Owner and Managing Director of Bee Cars and Weyline Taxis plus three other local taxi firms in Dorset, is supporting the two campaigns by providing space on the Bee Cars shop window in Weymouth town centre and on the outside of his fleet of vehicles to help share the Force’s messages.

He said: “I’ve been working in this business for over 40 years and we’ve seen everything. We know that people like to have a drink on a night out, but everyone needs to know their limit. Rowdy behaviour is our biggest complaint, followed by abuse towards drivers.

“Working with Dorset Police is a great opportunity for us to help share their message that being under the influence of alcohol is not an excuse for acting irresponsibly or violently.”

Taxi companies or other businesses who wish to support the campaigns can download posters by clicking here.

David Sidwick, Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset, said: “I’ve been clear on my commitment to tacking ASB and Op Relentless sends a stern message to residents and visitors alike that the Force takes a tough approach to anti-social behaviour and that those involved will need to change their ways.

“I am particularly glad to see the Force working with local partners and businesses to highlight incidents of ASB and violent crime linked to increased alcohol use and the night time economy.

“There have already been some extremely busy weekends across the county and I know throughout the school holidays, there will be more and more visitors who want to enjoy all that our coast and countryside has to offer. However, I would like to reassure residents and visitors alike that the Force remains vigilant in terms of ASB and alcohol-related crime and will act to relentlessly drive down incidents across Dorset”.

You can report anti-social behaviour online (www.dorset.police.uk/do-it-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.

If we are not able to deal with your complaint directly, we will give you advice on which local agency can help and how to contact them. 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