Residents in a once picturesque seaside town have formed a group to take on rampant crime levels.
Bournemouth, once a beloved holiday hotspot has become overrun by feral yobs, sex predators and murders, according to locals.
While many complain about a gradual degradation in conditions over the years, some point to a slew of recent incidents that have left them feeling more uncomfortable than ever.
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During July’s hot weather, regular fights reportedly broke out on the once beloved beach, while a woman in her late teens was raped in a beachside public toilet just days later leading to the arrest of a man who has now been released on bail.
Now, more than 200 volunteers have signed up to the Safeguard Force to tackle the tourist hotspot’s descent into lawlessness.
The group was set up by local businessman Gary Bartlett, who denied they were a “vigilante” group, but instead they wanted to “protect and reassure.”
He said: “We’re here to support our community and work alongside the police to make Dorset a safer place for everyone.
“Our volunteers are driven by a shared goal to protect and reassure, and we’re excited about the impact our app and transport initiatives will have. Our volunteers have no more legal powers than any member of the public. We are not a vigilante group and we do not engage in any unlawful activity.”
He did not confirm if volunteers would physically intervene if they saw criminals engaging in illegal acts.
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Bournemouth Beach
A senior officer at Dorset Police confirmed they were aware of the groups existence and they were liaising with the organisers.
Superintendent Pete Browning said: “While the group hadn’t engaged with us before launching, we have since reached out to them and had discussions about their plans, policies and process.
“As a result, we have asked to have further discussions with them in relation to their operating model, including reassurances around vetting processes, equipment carried, training provided and safeguarding policies.
“As a partnership, together with our local authority colleagues and others, we are continuing to assess the information, risks and opportunities community groups can bring. Therefore we are not in a position to support or endorse the group or their activities at this time. We will continue to engage with the organiser to ensure that they operate within the law.”
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People enjoy the warm weather on Bournemouth Beach in Dorset.
On top of this, the town has become a stage for tensions between residents and asylum seekers with one filmed giving the finger to protesters outside a migrant hotel before being ushered away by police.
Pro-immigration group Stand Up To Racism expressed concerns Safeguard Force would target asylum seekers and “risks fostering division.”
A spokesman from the Bournemouth branch of the group said: “This is a vigilante group which seems to be targeting refugees and Muslim communities who they suggest are a threat to women and children.
“The presence of uniformed civilians acting on ideological motives risks fostering division and fear, rather than safety.”
Those trying to enjoy a day on the beach expressed concerns about levels of crime in the area.
Terry Keenan told MailOnline: “The police are useless, they’re never here,’ he said. ‘Kids come here for a big night, they come with the gas and balloons. On these nights, it gets on the verge of being a nuisance.
“We’re down here all day and there’s not one policeman, yet there’s thousands of people here. It gets out of control.”
Meanwhile, Mike Lucas said that drugs and other anti social behaviours were a real issue on the beach.
The 76-year-old said: “We get high off the weed here sometimes just from the smell.
“There’s a lack of respect. I used to be a teacher, I wouldn’t want to be anymore. Music is a real issue here as well, what with all these ghetto blasters and things.”
Paul, who was enjoying a day with Emma, added: “We’re actually thinking of moving which is a shame. It’s all a sign of the times.
“We’ve had people fighting here and even a stabbing. We need more of a police presence.”
