Police refuse to endorse 'vigilante volunteer force' despite crimewave fears
GB NEWS
More than 200 volunteers have already signed up for the Safeguard Force
Don't Miss
Most Read
Trending on GB News
Police have refused to endorse a "vigilante volunteer force" in Bournemouth despite local fears that crime is spiralling out of control.
Residents in the picturesque seaside town formed a group to take on crime in early August.
However, Dorset Police has now confirmed that the force will not endorse the activities of volunteers patrolling the beloved holiday hotspot.
**ARE YOU READING THIS ON OUR APP? DOWNLOAD NOW FOR THE BEST GB NEWS EXPERIENCE**
A review of the vigilante group's vetting processes by the force highlighted "areas of significant concern".
Safeguard Force, with more than 200 volunteers already signed up, said it aims to create "safer, more supportive communities by providing visible, compassionate and non-confrontational patrols", which were set to start in the seaside town on August 11.
Bournemouth, once a beloved holiday hotspot, has seen reports of yobs, sex predators and murders, according to locals.
While many complain about a gradual degradation in conditions over the years, some point to a number of recent incidents that have left them feeling more uncomfortable than ever.
The town was the victim of two high-profile murder cases as well as a disturbance involving a "large group of people" in June, which left a teenage girl and two officers injured.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Police have refused to endorse a 'vigilante volunteer force' in Bournemouth despite crime wave fears
| PAFollowing a meeting between Dorset Police, the Safeguard Force and other relevant authorities, the "vigilante volunteer force" failed to convince the authorities that their vetting processes are secure.
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Callaghan, of Dorset Police, said: "Following a multi-agency meeting on Friday 15 August 2025, which involved Dorset Police, other emergency services, the local authority and representatives of Safeguard Force, we will not be endorsing their activities.
"We have engaged with the group extensively, and a review of their vetting processes has highlighted areas of significant concern. 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.
"Safeguard Force's policies provided to police contain 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 and limited evidence of any training provided."
Residents in the once picturesque seaside town formed a group to take on crime in early August
|GETTY
Dorset Police added that they welcome the responsible use of volunteers who wish to carry out public service and there are many ways in which this can be facilitated in a safe way, including becoming a Special Constable, joining the street pastor programme, or via established Watch schemes.
Constable Callaghan said: "All these initiatives have appropriate policies and processes in place, particularly around the vetting of individuals and safeguarding of vulnerable people.
"Dorset Police continues to carry out high-visibility patrols, with 289 foot patrols taking place in the past seven days throughout Bournemouth town centre, gardens and seafront.
"This resulted in arrests being made and dispersal notices being issued, stop searches for drugs or weapons, anti-social behaviour incidents attended, intelligence gathered and almost 1,200 conversations with members of the public and 131 businesses and local premises visited."
Dorset Police encouraged members of the public to speak to their officers and report incidents and crimes directly to them to investigate
|GETTY
They also encouraged members of the public to speak to our their officers and report incidents and crimes directly to them so they are able to "effectively respond and investigate."
The Safeguard Force was set up by local businessman Gary Bartlett, who previously denied they were a "vigilante" group, but instead they wanted to "protect and reassure."
He 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."
Bournemouth is a popular destination for British tourists looking to stay in the UK
| PAHe did not confirm if volunteers would physically intervene if they saw criminals engaging in illegal acts.
Bournemouth has also become one of several towns across Britain which is experiencing tensions between residents and asylum seekers, with one filmed giving the finger to protesters outside a migrant hotel before being ushered away by police.
Stand Up To Racism also expressed concerns that the Safeguard Force would target asylum seekers and "risks fostering division."
A spokesman from the Bournemouth branch of the group 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."