A day of action to crack down on anti social behaviour (ASB) in Bournemouth took place on 28 April.

BCP Council, Dorset Police Trading Standards, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, and the Private Sector Housing Team participated in event which targeted ASB hotspots including the West Hill area.

High visibility patrols enabled police and community safety (CSAS) officers to speak to residents, identify areas of concern and take action. CSAS officers also engaged with several local businesses to offer support with ASB related issues.

Cllr Bobbie Dove, portfolio holder for Community Safety and Regulatory Services, BCP Council said: “Regular days of action with our partner agencies really emphasises the brilliant work each team does to tackle anti-social behaviour and ensure our communities feel safe.

“I have seen first-hand how damaging ASB can be to residents and local businesses.”

Officers from Dorset Police’s Drug and Alcohol Harm Reduction Team visited several premises in the area and were pleased to note that significant improvements had been made, ranging from further staff training to the development of CCTV.

A small minority of premises were identified as needing further improvements and the team will continue to work to ensure these premises continue to comply.

Bournemouth South Neighbourhood Inspector Ady Thompson, from Dorset Police, said: “We are committed to tackling anti-social behaviour in the West Hill area of Bournemouth and will work relentlessly to reduce incidents for the community.

“Tackling anti-social behaviour is a key priority for Dorset Police and we are working hard every day to address these issues through our continued work supporting Operation Relentless – the Force’s commitment to our communities to tackle ASB.

“As part of the local neighbourhood policing team’s personal commitment to its communities, one of the priorities for the area is to tackle all matters relating to anti-social behaviour using a multi-agency response. This day of action is one of the ways we are working to help reduce the issue and address what is a priority for residents.

“During the day, a 30-year-old man from London was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a class A drug. He has been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

“Officers also issued a section 35 dispersal order to a man who was reportedly acting anti-socially and being aggressive toward members of the public in the area.”

Also on the day, several hotels used as privately rented accommodation were visited by Private Sector Housing and Targeted Enforcement Officers. The findings of those visits will now be acted upon.

Trading Standards inspected premises that are selling age restricted goods such as alcohol, tobacco, and vaping products. Staff were offered access to training and advice, to support businesses in preventing the sale of age restricted products to under 18s.

Following recent findings, specific advice was also given around disposable vapes; low-cost flavoured E-cigarettes which are becoming increasingly attractive to children, despite the law restricting their sale to over 18s only. Numerous vape products were examined by officers to ensure they did not exceed legal nicotine levels or contain too much liquid and were correctly labelled.

Several food businesses were also inspected, which included checks on foods imported from other countries, to ensure that they met all labelling requirements for sale in the UK.