Dorset Police's plan to tackle crime along the seafront

In an interview with the Daily Echo, Dorset’s Police and Crime Commissioner addressed concerns about sexual offences taking place the seafront. 

In July 2021, a teenage girl was allegedly raped on Bournemouth beach in the sea near to the Oceanarium. 

An 18-year-old man from the West Midlands was arrested in June this year on suspicion of rape. He has been released on bail. 

Read more: Police to tackle large groups of teenagers on Poole beaches

Speaking about how he aims to keep residents and tourists safe this year, Dorset PCC David Sidwick said: “It's not rocket science, it's putting the police out on the streets and patrolling.  

“It's about working with our local authority. 

“We have a wonderful control room for the CCTV at the police station looking along the seafront. It shows pretty much everything.  

Southbourne Beach

“All that is set up and we learned a lot last year. We've been planning for the summer since virtually last summer.  

“But we had some important changes from meetings held in the winter with the local authority. But the plans are very much in place.” 

Mr Sidwick pointed out that Dorset’s population increases during the summer months, but Dorset Police do not receive extra funding or police to cope with the extra demand. 

It is reported 3.75 million people passed through the Pier Approach during summer last year. 

3.75 million people passed through the Pier Approach last summer (Image: Dorset Police)

“If I had one plea It would be that the government takes into account what they call transient populations when it comes to funding police forces.  

“In the summer our population effectively trebles and we don't get any extra police coming down from London or West Midlands or wherever and we don't get any money coming down.  

“So basically, we deal with it within the money that we've got. 

“I am badgering about that and I am optimistic the national funding formula will change.

“It will take time to bed in but I'm also confident that we've got a better summer policing plan than we've ever had and Dorset Police will deal with whatever is thrown at us.”