POLICE have been on the beat in Weymouth as part of an high-profile operation to show that they will not tolerate anti-social behaviour (ASB) .

The Dorset Echo was invited to go out with police to see first hand how officers carry out proactive patrols as part of the ongoing Operation Relentless, which launched on July 20 to show the force's commitment to tackle ASB.

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Dorset Echo: Officers patrol Custom House QuayOfficers patrol Custom House Quay

Sergeant Anneka Stone and PC Kerry Farwell spoke to people on Custom House Quay, before moving towards Westham Bridge, then onto Weymouth railway station - and finally along the seafront.

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Dorset Echo: The two officers speak to a group of men drinking alcohol, while patrolling Custom House QuayThe two officers speak to a group of men drinking alcohol, while patrolling Custom House Quay

Sergeant Stone, whose beat covers the town centre area, said these particular areas are 'hotspots' for ASB in Weymouth.

"On every outing, all officers wear full kit which includes a stab-proof vest and a camera," she said.

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Dorset Echo: Sergeant Anneka Stone in Weymouth town centreSergeant Anneka Stone in Weymouth town centre

From the harbour to the train station the officers spoke to a group of men on Custom House Quay, ordered a cyclist to dismount in the busy town centre area, and advised a vulnerable man to seek refuge with charity The Lantern.

The two officers met up with Dorset Council safety officers outside the train station as part of the patrol.

Dorset Echo: PC Kerry Farwell outside Londis in Weymouth town centrePC Kerry Farwell outside Londis in Weymouth town centre

Dorset Echo: Sergeant Stone and PC Farwell speak to a vulnerable man next to Westham BridgeSergeant Stone and PC Farwell speak to a vulnerable man next to Westham Bridge

Council safety officer Jason Bird said: "Historically the train station is our biggest hotspot for ASB.

"Our main responsibility is to communicate with police to curb anti-social behaviour in the area.

"We do this through speaking to vulnerable people to make sure they're getting help and know where to go if they need help.

"It's about speaking to others in a calm manner to de-escalate a situation."

READ MORE: Dorset Police launches Operation Relentless

Dorset Echo: (LtR) Dorset Council safety officers Jason Bird and Martin Wickenden(LtR) Dorset Council safety officers Jason Bird and Martin Wickenden

Sergeant Stone said police meet with council safety officers every Wednesday to share intelligence as part of the operation.

Dorset Echo: Police speak to council safety officers outside Weymouth Train StationPolice speak to council safety officers outside Weymouth Train Station

While no fines or arrests were made during the town patrol, police said they want to give the public a clear and consistent message that reports of anti-social behaviour are being taken seriously and those types of acts by people are not acceptable.

Dorset Echo: On Weymouth's beach frontOn Weymouth's beach front

A Dorset Police spokeswoman said: "ASB will not be tolerated and we're here to show the public we take it seriously.

"This type of behaviour can remain ongoing and have a long-term impact of people's lives.

"If they fail to let us know we cannot do anything about it. So we urge people to report it to us."

To contact police call 101.

If you would like to report anonymously, contact Crimestoppers on: 0800 555 111.

Dorset Echo: Sergeant Anneka Stone and PC Kerry FarwellSergeant Anneka Stone and PC Kerry Farwell