The ‘nuisance’ behaviour at Sandbanks is not as straightforward as it might seem

Some will side with the ‘Hutters’ and others with the council and support services and others with the young people.

Where do you stand?

The ‘Nuisance’

A group of approximately 100 young individuals are engaging in intimidating behaviour towards owners of expensive beach huts at Sandbanks beach. This includes incidents of drug abuse and vandalism.

The beach hut tenants, known as “hutters,” who pay up to £5,500 per year for their exclusive cabins, have lodged numerous complaints regarding the disruptive and antisocial activities occurring in the Dorset resort.

These youths have been observed breaking windows of beach huts, defacing them with graffiti, trespassing on the roofs, and openly consuming cannabis and laughing gas while congregating near the huts.

The beach hut tenants are frustrated and distressed, especially after experiencing a significant overnight rent increase imposed by the Bournemouth, Poole, and Christchurch Council. Instead of improved security measures, they have only encountered more chaos and misery.

Bob Lister, the chairman of the Poole Beach Hut Association, expressed his concerns, stating, “The local council is treating us like cash cows. They cannot simply raise our rents, making it unaffordable for many elderly individuals to remain in the area, and then reduce security measures.”

Previously, there used to be a ranger assigned by the council to monitor the beach huts on a daily basis. While there is some CCTV coverage in the area, it is insufficient to deter the gangs who vandalise the huts and leave litter on the beach.

The deterioration of the situation in recent years is evident, and the beach hut tenants are desperate for prompt change.

Hutter Zin Matthews described witnessing teenagers frequently engaging in activities such as inhaling laughing gas and underage drinking. She also mentioned the extensive vandalism, with instances of paint being thrown on walls and windows being shattered. The damage to some windows is so severe that they resemble a scene from Superman, where the glass appears shattered as if hit with a powerful blow.

These occurrences are infuriating for the beach hut tenants who pay a substantial amount to enjoy their stay. They demand effective measures to deter the troublemakers and put an end to this situation.

Sue Smith shared her experiences of witnessing around 80 to 100 teenagers gathering outside the beach huts, smoking cannabis, and consuming alcohol. She recounted instances of her window being smashed and graffiti being sprayed on her hut. The matching paint on the graffiti and her curtains leaves no doubt about the culprits. She expressed her frustration with the lack of interest from the police and the council when reporting these incidents. Smith believes that a zero-tolerance approach should be adopted, similar to the laws prohibiting e-scooter use.

In addition to breaking windows and defacing beach huts, the unruly group has been engaging in other disruptive activities, such as running across roofs. John Pullen witnessed a large group of kids gathering, which grew to approximately 90 individuals throughout the evening. They exhibited disorderly behaviour, including drinking, smoking cannabis, and engaging in unruly activities. Such occurrences create an unpleasant and uncomfortable atmosphere for the beach hut owners. Some individuals have expressed their intention to discontinue renting huts due to these ongoing issues.

The Dorset Police have stated that officers frequently conduct high-visibility foot patrols along Poole’s beaches as part of Operation Sandman, an annual summer operation aimed at maintaining public order and safety.

Councillor Kieron Wilson, responsible for housing, assured that BCP Council is committed to addressing antisocial behaviour. CCTV is already installed at Shore Road, and the camera will continue to monitor the area in the evenings. Signs indicating “fragile roofs” are in place to warn individuals against trespassing. The council continues to collaborate with partners to conduct patrols and offer guidance. However, it is crucial for incidents to be reported to the police at the time they occur.

Why are young people sometimes perceived as a nuisance?

There are several reasons why young people may get into trouble. It’s important to note that not all young people engage in problematic behaviours, and individual circumstances can vary. However, some common factors that contribute to young people getting into trouble include:

1. Peer influence: Young people often seek acceptance and validation from their peers. If they associate with individuals engaging in risky or criminal behaviour, they may be more likely to participate in those activities as well.
2. Lack of parental involvement: When young people lack proper guidance and support from their parents or guardians, they may be more susceptible to negative influences and engage in problematic behaviour.
3. Substance abuse: Drug and alcohol abuse can impair judgment and increase the likelihood of engaging in risky behaviour. Young people may experiment with substances as a result of curiosity, peer pressure, or attempting to cope with emotional issues.
4. Impulsivity: Adolescence is a period characterised by changes in brain development, including an immature prefrontal cortex responsible for decision-making and impulse control. This can lead to impulsive actions and poor decision-making, increasing the likelihood of getting into trouble.
5. Lack of education or employment opportunities: Limited access to quality education and employment opportunities can leave young people feeling frustrated, marginalised, and disengaged. This may push them toward negative behaviours and involvement in criminal activities.
6. Poverty and socioeconomic factors: Growing up in disadvantaged communities or experiencing poverty can expose young people to a range of challenges, including limited resources, lack of positive role models, and increased exposure to crime. These factors can contribute to a higher likelihood of getting into trouble.
7. Mental health issues: Young people experiencing mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, or conduct disorders may be more prone to engaging in risky behaviours. These behaviours can serve as coping mechanisms or attempts to escape from emotional pain.
8. Lack of positive outlets: If young people do not have access to constructive activities or positive outlets for their energy, creativity, or emotions, they may seek stimulation through negative means, such as vandalism, theft, or violence.

It’s important to approach the topic of young people getting into trouble with empathy and understanding. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach that includes support from families, communities, schools, and society as a whole.

Perhaps if we had a greater understanding of causal factors as a community there would be less ‘nuisance’.

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