Drug dealing & drug use

Location:
Pokesdown area, Bournemouth

Describe the issue & its affects:
Street dealing as well as vape stores supplying drugs and alcohol to children

Action we will take:
Gather intelligence from the community as well as partner agencies to allow effective enforcement and disruption.

Issued 01 July 2026

September Update:
- In partnership with trading standards 3 further premises have been closed down due to concerns over the illegal supply of vapes, alcohol, cigarettes and drugs to children.
- Following a foot pursuit officers have arrested 2 males who were seen openly drug dealing in the precinct, a quantity of money and drugs have been recovered and both males are currently on bail while investigations continue

We are still experiencing what we believe to be significant underreporting in relation to drug dealing in and around the Pokesdown area and would urge anyone with information to contact us or submit anonymously via crimestoppers.

August Update:
- As a newly identified priority, officers have worked closely with BCP Council's Anti-Social Behaviour Team and Trading Standards to address concerns around the supply of drugs, alcohol and other illegal products to young people in the Pokesdown area. Through this partnership approach, a number of premises suspected of being involved in criminality have been visited and investigated. As a result, closure notices have been secured against several premises, with a number of these cases now having progressed through the court process and the businesses subsequently closed. Further investigations and enforcement action remain ongoing in relation to other premises.
- Officers have conducted both high-visibility foot patrols and mobile patrols throughout the area, focusing on locations identified through intelligence and community reports as being linked to street dealing and associated anti-social behaviour. These patrols have provided opportunities to disrupt criminal activity, engage with local residents and businesses, and gather further information to support ongoing investigations.
- The Neighbourhood Policing Team continues to work with partner agencies to develop intelligence and identify those involved in the supply of illegal substances and alcohol to children. Information provided by members of the public has been instrumental in supporting enforcement activity, and we continue to encourage the reporting of any suspicious behaviour or concerns.
- We remain committed to using all available powers and legislation, alongside our partner agencies, to disrupt offending, safeguard young people and improve the safety of the Pokesdown community. Ongoing patrols, intelligence-led operations and joint visits will continue to target those responsible and reduce the impact of crime and anti-social behaviour in the area

July Update: This is a new priority that we have already begun to tackle.
Working with our colleagues in Trading Standards warrants have been conducted at a number of minimarkets where drugs and goods have been confiscated. Closure orders are now being sought in an attempt to stop this behaviour recurring and a number of individuals are currently under investigation for criminal offences.

Actioned 01 October 2026

Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB)

Location:
Fisherman's Walk & Southbourne Beach

Describe the issue & its affects:
Large gatherings of youths drinking and intimidating members of the public along the seafront, overcliff and associated access routes.

Action we will take: Increased high visibility patrols and positive action to include removal of alcohol and issuing of dispersal notices.



What action will you take to tackle the issue:

Engagement with the community to offer reassurance and encourage reporting
Target offenders for disruption and positive action.

Issued 01 July 2026

September Update:
- In partnership with trading standards 3 further premises have been closed down due to concerns over the illegal supply of vapes, alcohol, cigarettes and drugs to children.
- Following the series of criminal damages in Southbourne to shop windows a male was arrested and has now been charged with 8 offences. He awaits his appearance at court.
- High visibility patrols in and around Fisherman’s walk and Southbourne beach have resulted in positive engagement with groups of youths, preventing ASB and promoting a good relationship with our young people.

August Update:
- We have responded to concerns raised by residents and local businesses regarding anti-social behaviour in the Fisherman's Walk and Southbourne Beach area. We have adapted resources to provide increased visibility and reassurance patrols within the area, including the overcliff, beach frontage and associated access routes.
- Officers have been conducting high-visibility patrols, engaging with members of the public and local businesses, and gathering information regarding those involved in anti-social behaviour. These patrols have provided reassurance to the community whilst allowing officers to identify emerging issues and take appropriate action where necessary.
- Over the coming weeks, officers have planned targeted activity in the area aimed at identifying those responsible for ongoing anti-social behaviour. Once identified, we will work alongside BCP Council's Anti-Social Behaviour Team to ensure a joined-up approach is taken, making use of warning letters, acceptable behaviour agreements and other available interventions to prevent further incidents.
- The local Neighbourhood Policing Inspector has also met with representatives from the local Business Improvement District (BID) to discuss current concerns, share intelligence and identify opportunities for joint working. Businesses have been reminded of their responsibilities regarding the sale of alcohol and the importance of carrying out robust age-verification checks, with any reports of alcohol being supplied to minors being treated seriously and investigated where appropriate.
- We remain committed to tackling anti-social behaviour within Fisherman's Walk and Southbourne Beach. Officers will continue to provide reassurance through engagement and high-visibility patrols, while taking positive action against those responsible for causing nuisance, intimidation or disorder.
- We will also continue to work with partner agencies to address any businesses or premises identified as contributing to these issues through unlawful activity. Through enforcement, engagement and partnership working, we aim to ensure the area remains a safe and welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike.

July Update: This is a new priority and we will update you on our progress in August.

Actioned 01 October 2026