Bournemouth town centre could see stop-and-search return

Residents have raised concerns about the level of crime in the area and Dorset Police Chief Superintendent, Heather Dixey, spoke of the possibility of special stop and search powers returning to the town centre.

She was speaking to the Echo following the launch of the Daily Echo's No More Knives campaign, aiming to unite local organisations and provoke change in the town centre. 

The campaign began after the death of teenager Cameron Hamilton, who was stabbed to death in Bournemouth.

She said: "A section 60 order is a really strong order, so it is not put in place lightly.

“There are no plans for section 60 to return this weekend but it may make a return at some point this summer.”

Ch/Supt Dixey said the Town Team Campaign, a collaboration between Dorset Police and BCP Council, has been in the works for months and was not a result of recent incidents.

“Crime remains low, but I’m very much aware of the public feeling in the town and that is why this has been put in place, to make people feel safe when they come to the town centre.”

Dorset’s Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick, spoke of the importance of having a police and crime plan that is ‘fit for purpose’.

“We now are starting to have the resources to make a difference us.

“And that's why today it is brilliant that there is a new town team which is a culmination of specific police resources but also the local authority.

“Because the only way that we can address the aggressive, begging, antisocial behavior, the shoplifting and the drug dealing is together in partnership.”

READ MORE: 'We all love and miss you Cam': Hundreds turn out for knife crime march

READ MORE: Bournemouth murder probe: Inquest into death of Cameron Hamilton

Increased patrols have been taking place through Bournemouth town since the tragic death of 18-year-old Cameron. 

Patrols have been conducted by Dorset Police officers and BCP Council’s CSAS team (Community Safety Accreditation Scheme officers).

Sophie Sajic, head of safer communities for BCP Council, said that CSAS officers will deal with lower-level crime, and support officers from Dorset Police.

Frankie Kingsbury, CSAS officer for BCP Council, explained while on a patrol with Paul McKenna, Dorset Police officer, that community officers are able to create stronger relationships with the community.

“We’re technically a ‘hands off approach’, so we deal with anti-social behaviour, begging and street drinking, while police are able to focus on more serious matters,” said Frankie.

Paul said patrols are all about ‘safeguarding’ and working with multiple agencies.

“We are here on the streets 24/7 but we can not do it alone, we need the help of other agencies and of the public,” said Paul.