Alcohol to be seized in beach disorder crackdown

Alcohol will be seized and fines issued as police prepare to tackle anti-social behaviour on beaches during the ongoing heatwave this weekend.

Dorset Police said extra patrols would be deployed along the seafront as thousands of visitors are expected to descend on Bournemouth.

The force said aggressive behaviour could result in fixed penalty notices.

The warning follows serious disorder near Bournemouth Pier during the last heatwave in June, when several officers were injured in clashes with groups of young people.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council and Dorset Police said they were ready to use a range of powers to prevent a repeat of the violence, amid reports on social media suggesting plans for organised disorder.

Ch Supt Heather Dixey said: "Violence and disorder on Bournemouth beach will absolutely not be tolerated and anyone who is identified as being involved will be robustly dealt with."

Officers will confiscate alcohol, nitrous oxide and other illegal substances where appropriate. Section 35 dispersal powers will also be used to move individuals away from the area if necessary.

A Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) covering the coastline from Sandbanks to Highcliffe allows police and council officers to address behaviours such as aggression, swearing, loud music, public urination and BBQs being lit between 07:00 and 18:00.

Fixed penalty notices of £100 may be issued to anyone believed to have breached the order, reduced to £75 if paid within 14 days.

BCP Council has urged visitors to park responsibly. During the previous heatwave weekend in June, more than 1,300 parking tickets were issued and 10 vehicles were towed.

A multi-agency control room will monitor CCTV to help manage crowds, reduce crime and support public safety.

The council will also be deploying Community Safety Accreditation Scheme officers to patrol particularly busy areas.

The authority said: "We continue to work closely with Dorset Police and alongside partner agencies to help manage the influx of visitors to ensure everyone has a good weekend."

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