Fed-up residents in a popular UK seaside resort are demanding action after reports of sexual assaults on the beach. People living in Bournemouth, Dorset, claim the town’s reputation is being damaged by a spate of vile sex attacks.
Just days ago, two young girls, aged 10 and 11, reported an indecent assault as they swam in the sea.
Dorset Police arrested a man in connection with the incident, but beachgoers have urged the police to crackdown on crime in the area.
It comes after police said they were hunting for a group of men after a 17-year-old boy reported he had been sexually assaulted in the sea.
Another teen, 19, is awaiting trial for rape involving a 15-year-old girl.
Officers have now said they are working with the local council to set up additional patrols, in the effort to protect their community.
Milly Campbell, 17, from nearby Poole, said she had heard many horror stories.
She told The Sun: “It does make me feel uncomfortable. Lots of teenagers come down here without their parents and I have heard of people getting their drinks spiked.
“I’m definitely aware of people when I’m on the beach, I’m always looking over my shoulder and I will probably be more alert now.”
Steve and Jeanette Hacker agreed, saying that they would be worried if their five grandchildren went down to the beach on their own.
Both they and Milly urged the local council to run more patrols on the beach to help prevent the sick crimes.
Gabrielle Johnson, a 33-year-old from Bournemouth, added: “I think it is the time we live in now.”
The mother of a teenager girl added: “I do worry because you don’t know who is looking at you. I don’t let her go to the beach by herself, she normally goes with a friend and her mum. I’m lucky she is quite sensible.
“But I do think it would be good if the police were around more. I don’t know how else we can stop that happening.”
Dorset Police Local Policing Commander Chief Superintendent Heather Dixey said: “The safety of everyone in our county, whether they live here, come here to work or to visit, is of utmost importance to us.
“Dorset and especially our beach areas are wonderful places to visit and we want people to absolutely feel that they are able to come here and be safe.
“We take all reports of anti-social behaviour and crime very seriously and will investigate thoroughly to identify those responsible and take robust action. No one should feel that a visit to our seaside may expose them to disproportionate risks of becoming a victim of crime.
“We have made a number of arrests in connection with recently reported incidents and will continue to explore all available lines of enquiry.
“As part of our summer policing operation, local officers and partners from agencies carry out regular high-visibility patrols of the beach and surrounding area. We will respond to concerns raised and are taking proactive action by enhancing these patrols over the coming weeks.
“Our multi-agency work in response to the peak summer demand involves collaboration with our colleagues from the local council, RNLI, beach services team and community safety accreditation scheme (CSAS) as part of our ongoing efforts to reduce anti-social behaviour.
“Everyone using these lovely parts of our county has a part to play by showing respect to each other.”
