A volunteer army of ex-soldiers and security staff has carried out their first patrol in a UK seaside town. The Safeguard Force hopes to stamp out crime in the town dubbed the “Wild West” following a spate of stabbings and sexual assaults in recent times. However, critics have branded them a “vigilante group.”
Anti-racism campaigners also feared the group would target asylum seekers staying in Bournemouth, Dorset. However, the Safeguard Force has insisted the public response to its first patrol was “very positive.” According to Ritchie Wellman, a co-founder of the group, the volunteers de-escalated two domestic situations and reported a dangerous driver to local police.
Bournemouth has seen a surge in shocking incidents over recent years, including sexual attacks and murders. The Safeguard Force has insisted that it wants to work alongside Dorset Police to make the town a safer place.
The volunteer group is made up of over 200 locals who are fed up with the situation. It was founded by local businessman Gary Bartlett and has already raised over £3,000 through a GoFundMe campaign.
Mr Bartlett said: “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.”
Meanwhile, Dorset Police said it is aware of Safeguard Force. It has begun discussions with its 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.”
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.”
