Hoteliers and traders have praised police officers for tackling yobbish behaviour in Weymouth - but say there is more to be done.
They have reported that anti-social behaviour is 'in decline' after a major summer operation to clamp down on street drinking and yobs in the town centre and along the seafront.
But one trader is calling for the extended patrols to continue over the winter months as her customers are 'intimidated' by groups of people in the seafront Victorian shelters.
Jennie, owner of the Sandbar café on the Esplanade, added: “We have noticed a high police presence on the beach side of the Esplanade, with regular patrols.
“The hotspots by the shelters near the clock tower and the beach huts by Brunswick Terrace have been free of the usual crews that drink and cause trouble in these areas.
“We can only hope that the antisocial behaviour doesn’t return after the summer, when the police presence has gone.
“Last winter we still noticed groups causing a nuisance in the shelters and often can be intimidating to people passing, we have had some of our elder regulars say they don’t like to walk along the seafront due to the groups in the shelters, it’s a shame that the locals can’t enjoy the pleasure of walking along the seafront as the tourists in summer months - with the safety of patrols.”
Over the summer Dorset Police launched the 100 Days of Summer initiative, which sought to increase their visibility and connectivity with businesses.
The force says there were additional challenges that affected reported antisocial behaviour, such as the Euros football tournament and protests on the seafront and that 'officers worked hard with partners to keep antisocial behaviour incidents close to the record lows of last year'.
Hoteliers and guest house owners along Brunswick Terrace largely praised the efforts, noting that they believe antisocial behaviour has ‘been in decline.’
Eddie Henchy, owner of Brunswick Bed and Breakfast, said: “It has definitely worked. We have not had a problem on Brunswick Terrace. In previous years, antisocial behaviour has been a problem at the beach huts.”
Graham, owner of seafront bed and breakfast the Beach House, said 'the police are doing a wonderful job'.
He added: "It’s great to have a police presence in the area as it stops people doing things.”
Further down the Esplanade, Alan Collins, owner of Hedley’s of Weymouth ice cream and gift shop, said: “I have noticed that the police have been far more visible this season.
“I am almost opposite one of the Victorian shelters and normally there is an issue with drinking and misbehaviour, but it has been in the decline this summer.
“I think the police have been very proactive and they have been dealing with things as soon as they happen.”
At the end of summer, more than 100 businesses were surveyed about topics such as anti-social behaviour and police presence in the area, as well as reducing the number of antisocial behaviour incidents, there was a marked decrease in shoplifting and incidents of violence against a person.
Weymouth and Portland Neighbourhood Inspector Sam Goom said: “This year’s 100 Days of Summer has had a really good impact on the town, making it feel and look safer for everyone who lives in or visits Weymouth.
“My team have worked incredibly hard this summer tackling ASB and related crime – I am pleased with what they have achieved for our community.”
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