Community Safety team working with partners to address concerns in Easton Gardens, Portland

Dorset Council‘s Community Safety team, in collaboration with Dorset Police and Portland Town Council, is taking decisive action to address concerns in Easton Gardens, Portland, following reports of anti-social behaviour (ASB) involving some young people gathering in the area.

Recognising concerns raised by residents, police and council officers have significantly increased their presence in the area. CCTV has been deployed to support enforcement efforts, helping authorities identify individuals responsible for ASB while ensuring the safety of the wider community.

While a small minority of individuals have been engaging in disruptive behaviours—including excessive noise, verbal aggression, littering, and property damage—Dorset Council remains committed to fair and balanced intervention. There will also be increased engagement with local families, asking them to be aware of where their children are, and the risks to people being present when ASB is taking place, even if they aren’t committing offences themselves.

Through the Youth Consequences Scheme, in partnership with police, young people involved in ASB are identified and supported with a structured approach, ranging from warning letters to behavioural contracts. The local targeted youth work team engages with young people in areas where they are known to gather, prioritising safety in the community, and providing advice and support. The team also collaborates with partner agencies to deliver a coordinated and responsive service that meets the needs of young people outside of their home environments.

Residents who experience or witness ASB are encouraged to report incidents through official channels. Dorset Council provides multiple ways to address concerns:

• Online reporting: Residents can report ASB incidents via the Dorset Council website.
• Requesting a Case Review: Victims of ASB who feel their concerns have not been adequately addressed can request a review of their case through Dorset Council’s ASB Case Review process.
• Police assistance: If an incident requires immediate attention, residents should contact Dorset Police via 101 for non-emergencies or 999 in urgent situations.

Councillor Gill Taylor, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for community safety, reassured residents, stating:

"We understand the frustrations felt by the community regarding recent disturbances in Easton Gardens. However, we urge residents not to view all young people in the area through the same lens, as most simply seek a safe space to socialise. Our enhanced patrols, increased CCTV presence, and youth intervention programme aim to address concerns proactively and ensure Easton Gardens remains a welcoming environment for all. We would also like to thank Dorset Police and Portland Town Council for their continued support in tackling these issues."

Inspector Sam Goom, of the Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “I see real value in the partnership established here to improve the situation. We must be balanced and fair, and proportionate in our response. As is often the case, a small minority of people are causing issues and ASB, while the majority are using the park without issue. We are targeting those causing the issues with their behaviour.”

Dorset Council’s Community Safety team remains committed to working alongside residents and local authorities to find lasting solutions that promote safety, respect, and community cohesion. Residents are encouraged to report concerns through official channels to help authorities respond effectively.