‘Vigilante army' to patrol crime-ridden UK seaside town plagued by spate of murders, stabbings and sexual assaults
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A GROUP of "vigilantes" are planning uniformed patrols at a 'Wild West' seaside town in a bid to reduce crime.
More than 200 residents, including ex-military personnel, security professionals and first aiders, have signed up to the Safeguard Force in Bournemouth.
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The Safeguard Force, wearing blue vests, were seen during a gathering on the beach in Bournemouth on Saturday
Credit: BNPS
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The group of 'vigilantes' includes ex-military personnel
Credit: BNPS
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Over 200 volunteers, including security professionals, first aiders and concerned residents, have signed up
Credit: BNPS
The Dorset town has seen stabbings, sexual assaults and murders soar in recent years.
The group have vowed to work alongside Dorset Police to make the streets safer.
But they have yet to be endorsed by the force and anti-racism campaigners claim they will target asylum seekers staying in the town's three migrant hotels.
They have already raised over £3,000 through a GoFundMe campaign to buy body cameras, stab vests and radios.
Safeguard Force say they will require all volunteers to undergo DBS checks and first aid training, claiming the group will be "non-political and inclusive".
In addition to patrols, the group is developing a mobile 'Safeguard App', an SOS-style tool to allow people to quickly request help if they feel vulnerable in public.
The group will wear a black uniform with a 'Safeguard Force' badge on the front and Safeguard Force written in white, block capitals on the back.
They are due to carry out their first patrols on Monday which will focus on Bournemouth, Boscombe, the beaches, gardens and surrounding areas.
Local Gary Bartlett, who set up the group says they will "protect the most vulnerable in our town - especially women, children and the elderly".
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.
Our pretty town has become a ghetto plagued by machete-wielding yobs
"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 anti-social behaviour, and report issues to the police or relevant authorities."
Mr Bartlett declined to explain if the volunteers would physically intervene if they saw criminal acts.
Dorset Police confirmed it is aware of the group and has begun discussions with its organisers while assessing 'any risks and opportunities' they can bring.
Superintendent Pete Browning said: 'While the group hadn't engaged with us before launching, we have since reached out to them and had discussions about their plans, policies and process.
'We have asked to have further discussions in relation to their operating model, including reassurances around vetting processes, equipment carried, training provided and safeguarding policies.
'As a partnership, together with our local authority colleagues and others, we are continuing to assess the information, risks and opportunities community groups can bring.
"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.'
The force also pointed to existing volunteering roles such as the Special Constabulary and street pastors, where individuals are trained and vetted to support community safety.
The group's plans were praised by some locals on social media who said they would 'make Bournemouth safe again'.
Patrick F Kelly said: "What you are doing is wonderful.
"But, it's a very sad indictment of the state of affairs in the UK that it should be necessary for volunteers to keep the public safe.
"Decades of inept leadership has destroyed the very fabric of society."
However, pro-immigration group Stand Up To Racism said they feared the group would target asylum seekers and "risks fostering division and fear".
A spokesperson for BCP 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."
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The Dorset town has seen stabbings, sexual assaults and murders soar in recent years
Credit: BNPS
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