Police has refused to offer their backing to activists patrolling the beaches of Bournemouth in Dorset described by critics as a “vigilante” group. Safeguard Force rejects the label, calling itself a “dedicated group of volunteers” committed to “enhancing community safety” by patrolling “hotspot areas”.
On its website, the group emphasises its keenness to “collaborate with local police” – but has not won the support of Assistant chief constable Mark Callaghan, of Dorset Police. Speaking after a multi-agency meeting on Friday involved his officers, other emergency services, the local authority and representatives of Safeguard Force themselves, Mr Callaghan said: “We will not be endorsing their activities. The organisers have been unable to provide reassurance that this group has sufficient safeguards in place to ensure volunteers are adequately vetted, trained, and equipped to undertake high-visibility patrols in the community.
“We have engaged with the group extensively and a review of their vetting processes has highlighted areas of significant concern.”
Safeguard Force’s policies provided to police contained insufficient details in relation to the use of body-worn cameras, publishing of photographs of members of the public, administration and recording of any force used or first aid provided, as well limited evidence of any training provided, Mr Callaghan explained.
Bournemouth has increasingly been described as a crime hotspot in recent years due to a string of high-profile incidents and a perceived decline in public safety, including two recent murder cases, reports of sexual predators, rising antisocial behaviour, and violent disturbances such as a June clash involving a large group which left a teenage girl and two police officers injured.
Locals point to these events, combined with ongoing issues with drugs, yobs, and disorder in the town centre and seafront, as evidence that conditions have deteriorated and crime is spiralling.
The city has has also experienced tensions between residents and asylum seekers and Stand Up To Racism has claimed Safeguard Force’s activities “risk fostering division.”
A spokesman from the Bournemouth branch told GB News: “This is a vigilante group which seems to be targeting refugees and Muslim communities who they suggest are a threat to women and children.
“The presence of uniformed civilians acting on ideological motives risks fostering division and fear, rather than safety.”
Jessica Toale, Labour MP for Bournemouth West, said: “It is not the job of a self-appointed, unregulated group – with a range of experience levels and different motivations – to take it upon themselves to don a makeshift uniform and patrol our streets.
“There is a real danger of abuse of artificial power here and it is confusing for residents and visitors.”
Safeguard Force’s statement on its website said: “Comprising over 200 volunteers from diverse backgrounds—including security professionals, exmilitary personnel, first aid responders, and concerned residents—Safeguard Force is a non-political, inclusive initiative focused on protecting all community members, regardless of race or religion.
“The group is committed to fostering a safer environment through proactive engagement and community cooperation.”
Founder and local businessman Gary Bartlett said: “Our volunteers have no more legal powers than any member of the public. We are not a vigilante group and we do not engage in any unlawful activity.”