POLICE patrols have been upped in a shopping centre car park following increasing reports of rough sleepers.

Bournemouth Police said it was “aware of the rise” in homeless people using the car park at Boscombe Sovereign Centre.

Its officers are “targeting this area for high visible foot patrols” so these individuals can be offered the correct support.

Further foot patrols have also been carried out within the centre and the wider Boscombe area.

Bournemouth Police spoke about PSCO Georgia’s patrols on social media: “PCSO Georgia has been out and about conducting high visibility foot patrol within the Boscombe precinct and Sovereign centre.

"She has been liaising with the local shops and business within the area, to give advice and support to prevent/ deter shoplifting and ASB within the shopping centre.

"By speaking with the local security team within the Sovereign centre this helps us to understand the main issues for concern.”

Speaking about the rough sleepers, Bournemouth Police added: "We are aware of the rise with rough sleepers in the car park and are targeting this area for high visible foot patrols so we can then offer the correct signposting and support for these individuals."