Frustrated by a string of crimes in their seaside town, locals in Bournemouth have taken matters into their own hands, setting up a volunteer ‘force’ – but critics call it a ‘vigilante’ group
Furious locals in Bournemouth have launched a uniformed “force” to patrol the streets of their coastal town, still reeling from a high-profile murder and a beach brawl.
Starting Monday, members of the newly formed Safeguard Force – clad in branded blue bibs – will be deployed across the Dorset town, as critics warn the group will breed “division and fear, rather than safety”.
The Safeguard Force says its aim is to create “safer, more supportive communities by providing visible, compassionate and non-confrontational patrols”, according to a statement posted on Facebook. It comes after police shame British drugs mules by making them pose for photos with suitcases.
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The force’s launch comes about four months after Nasen Saadi was jailed for life for stabbing 34-year-old Amie Gray to death on a Bournemouth beach, where he also attempted to kill her friend Leanne Miles. Unrest broke out on another town beach on June 30, when a “large group of people” clashed, leaving a teenage girl and two officers injured and prompting police to enforce dispersal powers along the seafront.
More than 200 people, including security professionals and first aiders, have reportedly signed up as volunteers for the Safeguard Force, while over £3,000 has been raised via GoFundMe to buy body cameras, stab vests and radios.
The group wrote on Facebook: “This isn’t the government. This isn’t the police. This is us – people from the community, helping people in the community. Volunteers from all walks of life, giving up their time to keep our streets safer for everyone.”
It added: “You’ll see Safeguard Force out and about across Bournemouth, Boscombe, the beaches, gardens, and surrounding areas, wearing our uniform with pride and patrolling with purpose.”
But a spokesperson for Stand Up To Racism Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council called it a “vigilante group”, adding: “The presence of uniformed civilians acting on ideological motives risks fostering division and fear, rather than safety.”
Superintendent Pete Browning of Dorset Police said the group was launched without consulting local police and has not been endorsed by them. Since becoming aware of the group, cops are now engaging to ensure they “operate within the law”.
He said: “We have asked to have further discussions with them in relation to their operating model, including reassurances around vetting processes, equipment carried, training provided and safeguarding policies.
“As a partnership, together with our local authority colleagues and others, we are continuing to assess the information, risks and opportunities community groups can bring. Therefore we are not in a position to support or endorse the group or their activities at this time.”
Supt. Browning added that members of the public can volunteer for the Special Constabulary, street pastors and watch schemes – roles that are “appropriately vetted, trained and tasked in accordance with the law”.