Three new ‘Community Wardens’ have begun patrolling Studland’s beaches from July 1. Dorset Police has teamed up with The National Trust and Studland Beach Users Action Group (SBUAG) to get the scheme off the ground in time for the summer season.
The wardens, who have been given training by Dorset Police and The National Trust, will patrol Studland peninsula throughout July and August and offer help and advice to beach users in addition to police patrols and beach rangers.
They will be a point of contact in incidents that may occur on the beaches such as littering, unauthorised fires and barbecues, dog fouling, illegal parking, sexual misconduct or threatening to bring naturism into disrepute.
The wardens will also be asking members of the public to fill-in a beach safety survey which will give partners indications on what to improve in the area.
The trio will be highly-visible in bright yellow t-shirts and will work alongside existing officers from Dorset Police. Uniformed officers, Special Constables and the Swanage Rural Safer Neighbourhood Team carry out patrols on foot and on quad bikes. The Community Support Vehicle, which offers the community a place of contact, will also be visiting the area on 23, 24 and 27 July 2009 and 1, 10, 14, 17 August 2009 at Knoll Beach and the Studland ferry toll car park.
Safer Neighbourhood Sergeant Des Connor said: "The Studland peninsula is a very safe place where families can enjoy the summer. This new multi-agency approach will make the beach area even safer.
“Studland has welcomed naturists for more than 90 years and continues to do so within an area designated as an official UK naturist beach. However, from time to time, we receive reports of sexual misconduct or activity that threatens to bring naturism into disrepute.
“Between summer 2005 and summer 2008, nine sexual offences were recorded in the Studland area and we want to keep this number as low as possible.
“We will not tolerate any unlawful behaviour and ask that all residents and visitors to the area respect the naturists and the freedom in which they wish to enjoy life.
“I am appealing to residents and visitors alike to continue to report unlawful sexual activity, either by contact the safer Neighbourhood Team on 01202 222222, reporting the matter at Swanage or Wareham police station or by passing the information onto the Community Wardens.
“This new venture will reduce any opportunity for anti-social behaviour and provide even more high-visibility reassurance to all beach users that Studland is a safe place to be with their families."
