Dorset Police admit summer visitor increase is 'inevitable'

Anti-social behaviour, violent crime, road safety, domestic abuse, cyber-crime and sexual offences have been named as focused areas.

A senior officer has said it is “inevitable” that visitors will be coming to Dorset in large numbers due to the expected ongoing international travel restrictions.

Weekly meetings are taking place between Dorset Police, BCP Council, Dorset Council, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service and health authorities to put plans in place to cope with an influx of visitors during half term next week and the peak summer months.

Dorset Police said reported incidents of anti-social behaviour have fallen by 20 per cent over the past four years, but July and August are traditionally the busiest months for the force. months.

This summer officers from local neighbourhood policing teams will be working alongside community safety accredited officers from the council, COVID marshals and youth workers to carry out patrols in hotspot areas to prevent offences from occurring.

Chief Superintendent Mark Callaghan

Chief Superintendent Mark Callaghan, summer policing gold commander, said: “We are fully expecting demand on our resources this summer to be higher than ever before as a result of the continued easing of lockdown restrictions, the reopening of tourism and the night-time economy coupled with the return of some of the county’s most popular events such as Euros 2020, Rugby 7s and the Bournemouth Air Festival.

“The expected restrictions on international travel will inevitably see people visiting Dorset for a staycation and we are working proactively with our partners to coordinate and strengthen plans to keep both residents and visitors safe.

“We are delighted the county has reopened so we can welcome people back to Dorset, but this cannot be at the expense of people’s health. We continue to ask people to stick within the COVID-19 restrictions as we ease through the roadmap so that we do not undo the good work that has already been done.

“We understand that some members of our communities may be feeling nervous about the coming summer months and we would like to reassure them that we are stepping up our patrols and we want to hear from them.

"If it is not urgent, we would ask people to use our online services first by visiting www.dorset.police.uk/do-it-online.”

Planning for the demands of the summer has been underway in Dorset Police for several months. Officers will be carrying out visible face-to-face engagement, as well as using social media to keep the public informed about what activity is being carried out to keep people safe.

The key emphasis for the force is to carry out engagement with the public during patrols and implement early intervention measures to prevent crime and help protect the most vulnerable members of the community.

All agencies are supporting the Respect, Protect, Enjoy campaign, which aims to remind residents and visitors to respect each other, protect Dorset’s environment while enjoying what the county has to offer.

Councillor Drew Mellor

Councillor Drew Mellor, BCP Council leader, said: “We are a leading holiday destination that is proud to welcome millions of visitors each year and this year is no exception.

“With half term approaching and COVID-19 restrictions now significantly eased, we have planned extensively and are ready for the summer season with all our additional measures in place to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

“However, I would also strongly remind those intending to visit that they must respect and protect as well as enjoy what the area has to offer and state that action will be taken against those who do not.”

Councillor Noc Lacey-Clarke, Dorset Council’s lead member for environment, travel and harbours, said: “We love Dorset and we want visitors to love it and respect it too. Dorset relies on its visitor economy and more than ever our high streets and local businesses need our support, which is why we’re so glad to be able to welcome visitors back this half term.

Councillor Noc Lacey-Clarke

“We know a small number of visitors to Dorset last summer showed a lack of respect for our beautiful county, so this year, our campaign Promise to Love Dorset targets visitors before they arrive here explaining why Dorset is special and asks visitors to respect our environment, take their litter home, take extra care on our country roads and unpredictable coastline and to be considerate of our residents.”

Assistant chief fire officer Andy Cole, of Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “With the latest easing of COVID-19 restrictions we are expecting more people to visit our beautiful countryside over the half term break. Following the devastating fire at Wareham Forest a year ago we are asking both locals and visitors alike to #BringAPicnicNotABBQ when they enjoy time out and about.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Andy Cole

“We have already had a number of heath fires in Dorset since Easter, so we would also ask people to not have campfires and to take care when disposing of cigarettes and matches.

“People staying at home are also asked to stay fire safe, whether they are having a bonfire in the garden or enjoying a barbecue with friends. Please visit our website www.dwfire.org.uk for more advice.”