Weymouth seafront businesses praise police yob crackdown

Businesses and residents have praised police for their focus on troublemakers after reports of vandalism, graffiti, drinking, drug use, and late-night noise.

In one disturbing incident a picnic bench was thrown from 15ft onto the promenade.

Police patrols have been stepped up as part of the force's 100 Days of Summer initiative which sees an enhanced visible presence to reduce anti-social behaviour (ASB) and criminal activity.

The seafront area in front of the Brunswick Terrace guesthouses and at Greenhill are among the priority areas for police as they are popular gathering points for teenagers.

In the past, holidaymakers have threatened to abandon their stays because of the trouble.

Staff at the Jurassic Rocks Café at Greenhill said they have installed CCTV and plan to add more because of trouble on the top deck near the putting green.

In one recent incident bleach was used to draw genitalia on the green. 

A spokesperson said: "If the café and the putting green are closed youths can run riot a bit.

"Police have now extended patrols from Brunswick Terrace, which I think will make a difference."

Brunswick Terrace (Image: NQ)

Guest house owners have welcomed the crackdown, reporting a difference already.

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Alec Warner of Lichfield Guest House says in the past some guests have threatened to 'pack their bags and go' due to the behaviour, which does affect reviews.

He said: "Anti-social behaviour affects our guests.

"The police response time has been very good this year - definitely improved."

Mr Warner claimed the beach huts are the 'main issue' as they attract the youths in the evening, particularly with how close they are to the buildings.

The hut owners SDJ Chalets did not wish to comment.

The chalets on the seafront (Image: NQ)

One guest house owner hopes the police response will 'knock it on the head' before the main summer season.

They said: "I think the neighbourhood police are doing a great job, the police presence has been good and we get regular updates.

"If they carry on the way they are they will tackle it. To be honest I don't think the police could do anything more.

"Weymouth is a tourist town. We rely on it and we have to protect that. We can't afford to have anti-social behaviour every night because it spoils it for everyone."

Another guest house owner praised the police saying: "The police have been very good, very responsive. There have been a couple of incidents but it has gone quieter here now and it has made a positive impact."

Greenhill and Brunswick Terrace (Image: NQ)

Read more: Picnic bench at Greenhill Gardens thrown onto seafront

Neighbourhood Inspector Sam Goom, of Weymouth and Portland police, said: “The warmer weather, coupled with longer days during June, July and August, brings our busiest time throughout the year for reports of anti-social behaviour.

“We are fully aware of the impact crime and anti-social behaviour can have on our local businesses and communities and we have put measures in place to ensure Weymouth remains a safe place to live and visit.

“The ongoing 100 Days of Summer initiative is an evidence-based approach that sees dedicated foot patrols at key locations and times to reduce ASB.

“We have a dedicated officer from the neighbourhood policing team who remains engaged with businesses to help tackle the issue."

Members of the public are urged to report incidents of anti-social behaviour, to help police build an 'intelligent picture' of crime.

Anyone with information can contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101.