Furious residents in Bournemouth have banded together to form a so-called ‘vigilante’ force in response to what they describe as rampant crime tearing through their once-picturesque seaside town.
Bournemouth, long seen as a jewel of the British south coast, has been plagued by a string of shocking incidents involving violent youths, sexual predators and even murder. Regular visitors say the decline has been gradual but recent events have left them more unsettled than ever.
Last month, as temperatures soared into the mid-30s, brawls erupted in broad daylight. Just days later, a woman in her late teens was raped in a beachside public toilet – an incident that led to an arrest, though the suspect has since been released on bail.
Fed up with the situation, more than 200 locals – including security professionals and first aiders – have signed up for the Safeguard Force, a volunteer group determined to halt Bournemouth’s slide into lawlessness.
Legal powers
Founded by local businessman Gary Bartlett, Safeguard Force’s stated aim is to “protect the most vulnerable in our town – especially women, children and the elderly.” The group has already raised over £3,000 through a GoFundMe campaign to buy body cameras, stab vests and radios.
Mr Bartlett explained: “We’re here to support our community and work alongside the police to make Dorset a safer place for everyone. Our volunteers are driven by a shared goal to protect and reassure, and we’re excited about the impact our app and transport initiatives will have.
“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. Our role is to be extra eyes and ears in the community, deter antisocial behaviour, and report issues to the police or relevant authorities.”
He declined to clarify whether volunteers would physically intervene if they witnessed crime.
Safeguard Force insists it wants to cooperate with Dorset Police but has yet to win official backing. Meanwhile, anti-racism campaigners have voiced fears that volunteers may target asylum seekers housed in three local migrant hotels.
Police: ‘risk and opportunities’
The group maintains it will require all volunteers to undergo DBS checks and first aid training, insisting it will be “non-political and inclusive”.
Alongside patrols, Safeguard Force is developing a mobile ‘Safeguard App’ – an SOS-style tool allowing people to quickly request help if they feel threatened. Volunteers will wear black uniforms marked with ‘Safeguard Force’ badges on the front and bold white lettering on the back.
Their first patrols are set for Monday across Bournemouth, Boscombe, local beaches, gardens and surrounding areas.
Dorset Police says it is aware of Safeguard Force and has begun discussions with organisers while assessing “any risks and opportunities” such groups might bring. Superintendent Pete Browning said:
“While the group hadn’t engaged with us before launching, we have since reached out to them… We have asked for further discussions about their operating model, including reassurances around vetting processes, equipment carried, training provided and safeguarding policies.”
He added: “Therefore we are not in a position to support or endorse the group or their activities at this time. We will continue to engage with the organiser to ensure that they operate within the law.”
Pro-immigration campaigners Stand Up To Racism remain concerned. A spokesman for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council Stand Up To Racism said: “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.”