How to report antisocial behaviour in Bournemouth

Report to Dorset Police when the issue involves crime, threats, violence, harassment, intimidation, drugs, public disorder, hate crime, sexual offences, spiking, missing people, dangerous behaviour, or anything where police involvement may be needed.

Dorset Police’s online reporting page includes specific routes for crime, domestic abuse, rape and sexual assault, road traffic incidents, missing people, antisocial behaviour, fraud, hate crime and other issues.

Use 999 for emergencies.

Use 101 or online reporting for non-emergencies.

If someone is targeted because of race, religion, nationality, immigration status, sexuality, gender identity, disability or another protected characteristic, treat it seriously.

Report it to Dorset Police as a hate crime or hate incident.

If the person is in immediate danger, call 999.

If safe, you can support the person by staying nearby, asking if they need help, offering to be a witness, or helping them get to a safer location.

Do not escalate the situation. The priority is the safety of the person being targeted.

Most people in Bournemouth go about their day without serious incident, but there are sensible steps you can take, especially at night or in busy areas.

• Stay in well-lit public areas where possible.

• Plan how you are getting home before you go out.

• Keep your phone charged.

• Stay with friends where you can.

• Use licensed taxis or trusted transport routes.

• Avoid confrontation.

• Leave an area early if a situation feels tense.

• Ask venue staff, door staff, police officers, council staff or transport staff for help if you feel unsafe.

If someone is being harassed, check whether they want support rather than assuming what they need.

If you see a serious incident, report it to the proper authorities rather than posting rumours online.

Official reporting routes matter because they create accountability.

Dorset Police and BCP Council have legal duties, complaints processes, safeguarding responsibilities, data protection obligations and public accountability. Private patrol groups and unofficial reporting systems do not have the same democratic oversight.

That does not mean public bodies always get everything right. They should be challenged, scrutinised and properly funded. But the answer to ASB is not to hand informal power to self-appointed groups.

The answer is to use official routes, demand better services, and make sure community safety protects everyone — including migrants, refugees, Muslims, homeless people, young people, women, LGBTQ+ people and racialised residents.

Bournemouth does need safety. People should be able to walk through town, work late, travel home, enjoy the seafront and use public space without fear.

But safety does not come from vigilante patrols, private authority or groups deciding who looks suspicious.

It comes from properly funded public services, accountable policing, youth work, housing support, mental health and addiction services, domestic abuse services, street outreach, safer transport, better lighting, and real support for people at risk.

If you are in danger, call 999.

If you need to report ASB, use Dorset Police, BCP Council or Crimestoppers.

Do not put yourself or anyone else at risk by trying to deal with it alone.