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 July 2026

September update:
- Ongoing partnership work to "target harden" affected car parks
- Regular patrols and proactive operations continue
- Speed enforcement and development of a local Community Speed Watch (CSW) group
- Involvement of a prohibitions expert from our Roads Policing Team

August update:
- Regular proactive operations with multiple police departments
- Reassurance visits to local residents affected by the Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB)
- Working with Dorset Council Parking Services to "target harden" affected car parks
- Movement of CCTV cameras to cover ASB hotspots
- Arranged police access to the Harbour Masters CCTV system
- Plans to instigate a Community Speed Watch (CSW) group working with the ward council

July 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
- In the last month we have conducted regular patrols, attended a town council meeting and prioritised the issue in our Partnership Co-ordination Group (PCG) meeting
- We also continue to work with the council Highways department to explore long term environmental design changes, which would help deter the issue from ocurring in the area

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 September 2026

Shoplifting

Location:
Bridport town centre (South Street, East Street and West Street)

Issue:
There is an emerging crime series of theft with a prolific offender 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 and intelligence gathering
- Multi-agency problem solving with local business owners, the Business Improvement District (BID) and other partner agencies
- Relevant updates being shared via social media and our Dorset Alert system to reassure local residents of the work we are doing

Issued 01 July 2026

September update:
- We continue to target known offenders taking robust action where possible
- Officers have conducted over 2,100 minutes of targeted foot patrol in the town centre during August
- The Mobile Police Station was deployed at Bucky Doo Square on the 11th of August for two hours so people could speak directly with local officers
- Regular contact with shop staff to provide advice and reassurance

August update:
- Officers have conducted 1,200 minutes of targeted foot patrol in the town centre during July
- We have been targeting and arresting known offenders
- The Mobile Police Station was deployed at Bucky Doo Square on the 14th of July for two hours so people could speak directly with local officers
- Working with shops to encourage digital reporting and providing evidence

Actioned 30 September 2026