AN APP has been launched in a bid to crack down on crime and anti-social behaviour as Bournemouth prepares for its busiest summer ever.

Those signed up to the Disc app can report street drinking, rough sleeping, graffiti, damage to street furniture, fly-tipping or other anti-social behaviour.

It has been introduced by Bournemouth Coastal BID and will operate in Westbourne, West Cliff, East Cliff, Pier Approach, Boscombe, Southbourne, Pokesdown, Tuckton and Hengistbury Head.

An influx of visitors is expected this summer due to continued uncertainty around foreign travel.

And authorities are keen to avoid a repeat of last summer where a major incident was declared as crowds got out of control on the beaches and surrounding areas.

Around 100 BID districts already use the Disc app and Dorset Police has signed up as a partner agency.

Chairman of Bournemouth Coastal BID, Paul Clarke said: “This is an important new initiative which will make the area even safer for locals.

"Visitors will benefit businesses across our areas, and we’re extremely pleased to be able to roll it out.

"Everyone using it – including the police – is alerted immediately and a way to quickly resolving the issue can be put quickly into action.

"It also acts as a warning system and provides a network of businesses which can work together."

Chair of the BH Area Hospitality Association (BAHA), Tim Seward added: "This app will be a valuable asset. It will help hoteliers across Bournemouth Coastal BID’s area communicate low level crime to each other and Dorset Police much faster with the use of modern technology.

"BH Area Hospitality Association members are fully behind this system."

The app is free to all businesses, not just those who pay the levy, and the more who sign up the more effective it will be.

To sign up for the app, contact the BID’s manager Fiona McArthur on Fiona@CoastalBID.co.uk