Anti-social use of vehicles

Location:
West Bay

Issue:
Vehicles are being used and driven in an anti-social manner around West Bay causing annoyance and distress to local residents.

Planned action to tackle this issue:
- Targeted patrols at key times (local officers and specialist teams)
- Robust enforcement action where evidence allows, including warning notices and vehicle seizures
- Partnership working with Dorset Council and other key agencies to look at long term solutions

Issued 01 April 2026

June update:
- Local officers are regularly conducting targeted patrols in West Bay at key times
- A further Section 59 notice issued (this is a warning notice regarding anti-social use of vehicles and applies to both the driver and the specific vehicle, allowing for seizure if further anti-social driving/behaviour occurs within 12 months)
- A "VDRS" (Vehicle Defect Rectification Scheme) notice was issued to a driver failing to display a number plate - this notice can be utilised for minor vehicle defects and the driver has to provide proof of repair/rectification within 14 days

May update:
- After speaking with parish clerk at the council, we will be organising some dedicated community engagement with those affected and the wider community
- We have recently reviewed a number of incidents of dangerous driving and have issued a number of Section 59 notices (these are warning notices regarding anti-social use of vehicles and applies to both the driver and the specific vehicle, allowing for seizure if further anti-social driving/behaviour occurs within 12 months)
- We are developing further tactical options to tackle this issue and liaising with the County Council in relation to some design ideas the reduce this issue

Actioned 30 June 2026

Shoplifting & associated Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB)

Location:
Bridport Town Centre.

Issue:
Offenders are targeting local businesses causing harm to staff, customers and the wider community.

Planned action to tackle this issue:
- Targeted high-visibility patrols at key times and locations
- Monthly deployment of the Mobile Police Station (MPS) in the town centre
- Plain clothed operations
- Multi-agency working with the BID and local business owners

Issued 01 April 2026

June update:
- Officers have conducted over 950 minutes of targeted foot patrol in the town centre during May
- The Mobile Police Station was deployed at Bucky Doo Square on the 12th of May for two hours so people could speak directly with local officers
- A repeat shoplifting offender has been identified and we are working with partner agencies to ensure a long-term resolution, preventing further offences

May update:
- Officers are regularly deploying on targeted foot patrol in the town centre and have conducted 31 separate patrols during April
- The Mobile Police Station was deployed at Bucky Doo Square on the 14th of April for two hours so people could speak directly with local officers

April update:
This issue remains a local priority for the team due to the harm it causes to the local community and we will continue to focus our efforts in the area
During March, the team conducted 23 separate targeted patrols in the town centre at key times and the Mobile Police Station was deployed at Bucky Doo Square on the 10th of March for two hours so people could speak directly with local officers

March update:
- The team have conducted over 350 minutes of targeted patrols in the town centre at key times during February
- The Mobile Police Station was deployed at Bucky Doo Square on the 10th of February for two hours so people could speak directly with local officers

February update:
- The Mobile Police Station was deployed at Bucky Doo Square on the 13th of January for two hours so people could speak directly with local officers
- The team have conducted over 500 minutes of targeted patrols in the town centre at key times during January
- We have taken action against suspects where possible

Actioned 30 June 2026