THE crackdown on anti-social behaviour in Bournemouth saw police officers seize alcohol, take teenagers back home to their parents and order people to leave the town centre.

As part of Dorset Police's Operation Relentless, the force provided an insight into what officers had to deal with on a summer's Friday night in Bournemouth during the height of summer.

With the free fireworks event returning for the first time since 2019, it was expected to be a busy shift.

Officers began their evening with a briefing at Bournemouth Police Station before heading to BCP Council's Multi-Agency Control (MAC) centre.

This facility provides a hub for the local authority's seafront team to monitor CCTV cameras and work closely alongside emergency services to deal with any issues and incidents.

The patrols then commenced across the seafront, Lower Gardens and busy night-time economy areas.

And it did not take long for officers to spring into action.

While carrying out a proactive check of the toilets in the Lower Gardens, the team suspected a man was in possession of class A drugs.

Following a bit of a struggle, which included forcing entry into the toilet cubical, a man was searched and issued with a section 35 dispersal order to leave the town centre.

A short time later, a 16-year-old girl was taken back home to her parents after she was found intoxicated and in possession of cannabis.

The officer confirmed to the Daily Echo that action on any offences related to this would be carried out in the days ahead, with the priority being ensuring the individual was home and not in a vulnerable position at night in the town centre.

The visible presence of officers in uniform continues to have an impact and keeps the majority of people on their best behaviour.

Part of the role remains engaging with the community and being approachable so residents and visitors are assured and can voice any concerns.

Alongside the work of the police constables and police community support officers oin hot-spot areas, PD Marley and its handler were out and about.

The dog has an expert nose for drugs, cash and firearms and plays an importnat part in the force's operation.

As night falls, officers continue to keep a close eye on busy areas in the town centre ahead of the fireworks and all appeared to go well with a family-friendly atmosphere for the pyrotechnic spectacular.

Visit bournemouthecho.co.uk on Monday for more on our night on patrol with police in Bournemouth town centre.