Dorset Police hits back at criticism from former London cop

The former police officer from London and media commentator said he “wouldn’t recommend anybody to go to” the town following serious incidents. 

Between August 30 and September 1, a man was glassed in the Triangle, a woman was sexually assaulted in the Lower Gardens and a man was stabbed in Poole. 

Mr Brennan, who used to own a property in Southbourne and in 2021 moved to Weymouth, told the Echo that over the past 10 to 15 years, Bournemouth has had a problem with knife crime. 

“People are frightened to go out at night, to go to pubs, to walk in the high streets or to go to certain areas and they live in fear,” he said. 

“Knife crime is the scourge of Britain and many people think it's just in London and the big metropolitan areas.  

“Well, it's not; even sleepy areas which Bournemouth to a degree is have become run over with knife crime.” 

He added: “Knife crime doesn’t just affect the victims: what it does when it's continuing in the news is sends a fear factor throughout communities.” 

Mr Brennan, who at one point was to stand for police and crime commissioner in Dorset, said the county’s officers are “lovely” and “like a family” but are “run ragged”. 

“If I were the chief constable or police and crime commissioner, I would do my utmost to reassure them that I'm aware of the problem, I know what needs to be done, we know who's committing the crime and we intend to target them,” he said. 

“Knife crime is a scourge on society. In London we're used to it, but in Bournemouth it's something where a lot of people have gone down to retire, it's a place they want to live in peace and tranquillity. 

“I'm not saying they're overrun with knife crime, but what I'm saying is I'm seeing an increase in knife crime.” 

Chief superintendent Heather Dixey (Image: Newsquest)

Chief superintendent Heather Dixey said Bournemouth “remains a safe place” to live, work and visit but added that like with any large urban area, there is going to be crime and anti-social behaviour. 

She said: “Often these offences involve individuals who have an association with each other. 

“The added influx of visitors during the summer levels can lead to additional demand and we have extensive policing plans in place and work in partnership to provide an additional presence in the town throughout the summer months.  

“The increase in officers on mobile patrols has enabled us to respond swiftly to incidents that do emerge, often assisting with the swift apprehension of suspects and capturing of vital evidence.” 

She explained the force has its 100 days of summer initiative featuring visible patrols along the seafront and town centre. 

On this, she said: “Feedback from our local communities has indicated that they have seen a real difference in terms of the increased visibility and engagement of our officers in the town. 

“As chair of the local Community Safety Partnership, it is vital to me that all agencies work together to prevent and reduce serious violent crime incidents through appropriate interventions, increased partner visibility and shared intelligence.” 

Police and crime commissioner David Sidwick (Image: Daily Echo)

Dorset’s police and crime commissioner David Sidwick he welcomes and encourages feedback and comments from people who live and work in Dorset.  

“I am here to represent you, be your voice in policing and I welcome all views - good, bad, and everything in between,” he said. 

“However, comments from those not careful with their words could be seen as inflammatory, inaccurate, and frankly irresponsible, breeding fear out of all proportion to the facts.  

“Over the weekend - one of the busiest in the county’s calendar - Dorset Police officers were out in force, not just in Bournemouth but across the county, keeping hundreds of thousands of people safe, providing a visible presence to reassure the public, dealing with issues, and providing a robust response where needed. 

“Throughout the summer, Dorset’s officers have provided an enhanced visible response across our towns and villages with heightened patrols, whether that has been part of Beach Beat, 100 Days of Summer, or hotspot policing as part of Op Track.  

“I know that this work has yielded a positive response from the public both online and directly to officers on foot patrols.  

“Alongside this, the force also successfully and robustly dealt with protest activity in Dorset, keeping the public safe in extremely challenging circumstances."

David Sidwick and Heather Dixey (Image: Daily Echo)

Mr Sidwick added it is "no secret the unprecedented pressure" all of this has placed on police resources, particularly during the summer months that are made busier due to visitors.

He said: “I know a number of separate incidents over the summer will have led to valid concerns from the community, and I know Dorset Police treats those concerns, as well as the incidents themselves, extremely seriously.  

“Through close and proactive work with partners, community leaders and the public, I know the force is tackling these issues and providing vital reassurance through dedicated, targeted, and more visible action.  

“To ensure they have what they need, I have also put funding in place to extend the 100 Days of Summer patrols in Bournemouth throughout September as part of my commitment to continuing the intensive work already taking place. 

“I want residents to be left in absolutely no doubt that Dorset Police, my office, and our partners, are working relentlessly to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour, with this work beginning to bear fruit and make an impact. 

“I will continue to hold the force to account to ensure Dorset’s residents can feel safe where they live and work.  

“But we must all come together and support the work taking place to ensure long-term changes and make our communities an even better place to live, work and visit.”