Dorset Police is joining the county’s partner agencies to reassure the public that robust plans are in place to deal with reports of public disorder and reiterate that any form of hate will not be tolerated.
Following protests and violent disorder incidents taking place across the country over recent days, the Force has been working tirelessly to ensure additional specially trained public order resources are in place to respond to any further incidents.
This activity has seen the Force coordinating with partner agencies, as well as other police forces, to ensure it has the most accurate intelligence picture and we are able to draw on additional resources should they be required.
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Callaghan, Gold Commander, said: “We fully recognise that members of public will quite rightly be concerned about the unacceptable level of violence and public disorder we have seen across the country in recent days.
“I want to reassure the public that Dorset is fully prepared and has robust plans in place to respond to any reports of disorder and minimise any impact on our communities. To be clear, anyone involved in such criminality on our streets will be dealt with swiftly and robustly. Offenders will be arrested and brought before the courts.
“We are receiving multiple reports of information every day, which our intelligence teams are working through at pace. I would also encourage the public to report any information they may have to us. We have specially trained teams of officers ready to deploy to any incident across the county, as well as resources available to respond to the usual calls for service from the public.
“I am saddened to hear reports that members of our communities are being targeted because of their race and our neighbourhood teams will be continuing to talk to community leaders from all areas so they are supported and we have suitable response plans in place.
“I would strongly encourage anyone who has been a victim, or witnessed, such deplorable behaviour to come forward and report it to us.”
Councillor Millie Earl, Leader of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, said: “The safety of our communities remains the priority for BCP Council, and I would like to reassure residents that we are working closely with Dorset Police and other partners to monitor the situation and ensure we are prepared for any potential activity and that we are in dialogue with our residents, businesses, visitors and faith groups to provide advice and support.
“We are immensely proud of the diverse and vibrant communities that help make Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole such a special place and we are deeply committed to making sure that BCP remains a welcoming sanctuary for all those who call our three towns home.”
Councillor Nick Ireland, Leader of Dorset Council, said: “Following the disturbances that have been taking place up and down the country, including the protests in Weymouth on Sunday, we deplore the acts of racism and hatred that have unfolded.
“We want Dorset to continue to be a place that celebrates and welcomes people from all walks of life, both those who live here, and those who visit our beautiful county.
“In these difficult times, we must renew our commitment to stand together against hate.”
Hate crime is defined as any criminal offence, which is perceived by the victim or any other person to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a person’s race; religion/belief; sexual orientation; disability or because they are transgender.
If you have been a victim or witness of hate crime or a hate incident, please report it to Dorset Police so we can investigate. You can do this by calling 101 or by visiting www.dorset.police.uk. You can find further information and advice from Dorset Police in relation to hate crime here: www.dorset.police.uk/hatecrime.
Anyone who may have information about planned protests or disorder is encouraged to contact Dorset Police by calling, calling 101 or reporting online at www.dorset.police.uk. Alternatively, you can report information via our Intelligence Portal at: https://www.dorset.police.uk/police-forces/dorset-police/areas/about-us/local-support-and-guidance/intelligence/ or contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. If a crime is in progress dial 999.
