Vigilante volunteers to fight crime in ‘Wild West' seaside town

Telegraph

4 hours ago

A group of volunteers are planning uniformed patrols in a crime-ridden seaside town as part of efforts to reduce crimes.
More than 200 residents, including ex-military personnel, security professionals and first aiders, have signed up to the Safeguard Force in Bournemouth, Dorset.
The town has seen several high-profile stabbings and sexual assaults in recent years, including the murders of Tom Roberts, Amie Gray and Cameron Hamilton.
The group, set up by Gary Bartlett, a local businessman, has said it will 'protect the most vulnerable in our town – especially women, children and the elderly'.
The group has vowed to work alongside Dorset Police to make the streets safer but has yet to be endorsed by the force. Anti-racism campaigners have claimed that the group will target asylum seekers staying in the town's three migrant hotels.
Safeguard Force members have said the group will require all volunteers to undergo DBS checks and first aid training, and that the vigilante group will be 'non-political and inclusive'.
They have already raised over £3,000 through a GoFundMe campaign to buy body cameras, stab vests and radios.
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.
Volunteers are set to carry out their first patrols on Monday that will focus on Bournemouth, Boscombe, including the areas' beaches and gardens.
Mr Bartlett said: 'We're here to support our community and work alongside the police to make Dorset a safer place for everyone.
He added: '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.'
Mr Bartlett declined to explain if the volunteers would physically intervene if they saw criminal acts taking place.
Dorset Police confirmed it is aware of the group and has begun discussions with its organisers while assessing 'any risks and opportunities' they might bring to the area.
Supt 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.
'As a result, we have asked to have further discussions with them 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.
However, pro-immigration group Stand Up To Racism said they feared the group would target asylum seekers and 'risks fostering division and fear'.
A spokesman 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.'