Bournemouth beach: Laughing gas poses 'serious risk'

Anti-social behaviour is on the rise along the seafront thanks to the consumption of nitrous oxide, according to officers.

Recreational use of nitrous oxide, also known as NOS or laughing gas, has increased significantly over the past decade.

The colourless gas is sold in canisters and usually inhaled using a balloon.

But it is also having an effect on the environment, with users discarding their empty cannisters on the sand. 

Peter Ryan, founder of volunteer litter picking group Dorset Devils, said nitrous oxide cylinders are no longer an uncommon item of litter along the seafront. 

He said: “Lately we have found the larger canisters of N20 as well which are both a waste and environmental hazard.

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“They cannot be disposed of inside any street or household bin as they are a potential fire hazard at the depot so have to be disposed of correctly. 

“Whilst it’s rare to see someone littering, generally it’s the 16-24 age group who are known to use laughing gas for recreational purposes.

Police officers seized large amount of laughing gas in Bournemouth town centre. (Image: Bournemouth Police)

“Whilst the long-term use of this recreational drug could cause ongoing health issues, this item of litter is not healthy for our environment either.” 

Neighbourhood Inspector Adrian Thompson, of Bournemouth police, said the force has seen increasing evidence nitrous oxide is linked to anti-social behaviour. 

He said: “We want to make it clear use of nitrous oxide can pose a serious risk to the health of those who are inhaling it. 

Read more: Bournemouth Police seize laughing gas in town centre

“Using this substance can result in a person falling unconscious or suffocating due to a lack of oxygen and can have serious health consequences. 

“We are also seeing an increasing link between the use of nitrous oxide and anti-social behaviour, as well as significant environmental impacts from discarded canisters.” 

He added officers target those using the substance and that they will seize it from offenders and issue dispersal notices if necessary. 

“It is illegal to supply the substance for its psychoactive effects under the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016.  

“We have been working with partners, including Trading Standards and licensing, to target those businesses involved in the illegal supply of nitrous oxide and these efforts are continuing,” he added. 

“Illegal supply does not have to involve a financial transaction so if you filled a balloon with nitrous oxide and then passed it to someone else that would still constitute a criminal offence.”