POLICE have slammed visitors to Bournemouth for their ‘rowdy behaviour’ and ‘underage drinking’.

Bournemouth South's Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) said large groups of teenagers have been gathering at Bournemouth Pier ‘most afternoons and into the evenings’.

Some of the groups of youths are coming to the area from Hampshire and travelling on South Western Railway (SWR) Trains, officers said.

In a social media post, the NPT warned: “Whilst being able to enjoy the beach is available to everyone, underage drinking and rowdy behaviour that causes alarm to the wider public is not. Police are particularly interested in groups of ten plus.

“Our message is clear - alcohol will be disposed of and groups will be dispersed.

“If Dorset Police receive reports of large groups of rowdy youths travelling into Bournemouth on SWR trains, we will deploy officers to Bournemouth Train Station to meet these groups, dispose of their alcohol and disperse them out of Bournemouth town centre using Section 35's.

“The Town Team are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone to enjoy Bournemouth town centre this summer.”

Bournemouth South's NPT added that British Transport Police had offered support and was monitoring the situation.

Members of the public have been asked to call 101 if they witness poor behaviour from large groups, or 999 if they are concerned a breach of the peace or public order situation is developing.

Anyone who witnesses ‘large groups of rowdy youths' travelling to Bournemouth on SWR trains can report them via text message on 6106.

Speaking on patrols of the area, Bournemouth South's NPT said: "More uniformed officers are on foot patrols as part of three specific operations in Bournemouth town centre.

"Hotspot Policing (Op Track) - running until March 2025. Beach Beat - running until September 2024. #100DaysOfSummer - running until September 2024.

"These are all increased uniformed foot patrols to maximise public safety and reduce crime and anti social behaviour.

"A police officer wont be very far away from any call for service in Bournemouth town centre.

"Your information could be key to getting Officers where they need to be and preventing crime and disorder."