Bournemouth, a British seaside resort, is grappling with a rise in crime and anti-social behavior that some local business owners and residents argue is primarily driven by drug and alcohol abuse among UK nationals, rather than the influx of migrants. The situation has been exacerbated since the COVID-19 pandemic, with an annual increase in individuals coming to the town to sleep rough and spend their benefits on substances.
This issue has gained wider attention following claims by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who suggested that migrants had taken over a seaside beauty spot. These claims were reportedly prompted by photographs of a small encampment in the undergrowth near a hotel housing asylum seekers. However, investigations suggest this encampment has been present for years and is primarily used by individuals struggling with drug and alcohol dependency, many of whom are from the UK.
Local business owners, like Ed Watts, owner of the Flirt Cafe, have expressed frustration, stating that the problem is a drug issue, not solely a migrant problem. He notes that anti-social behavior peaks in the summer months, with drug users congregating in public spaces. Jonny Spencer, who runs the adult store Easy Tiger, echoed these sentiments, highlighting instances of public drug use, sex in public spaces, and individuals sleeping rough. Spencer suggested that many of these individuals have homes elsewhere but choose to live rough in Bournemouth during the summer while continuing to receive benefits.
Reports from local businesses describe finding evidence of drug deals, discarded paraphernalia, and individuals using public spaces for illicit activities. Some business owners also claim that certain local businesses may be fronts for drug dealing. The Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council and Dorset Police have acknowledged the issues and stated they are implementing measures to address them.
Council leader Millie Earl indicated that a fence has been installed on the cliffs to make illegal encampments harder to access, with plans to clear them when safe. Dorset Police Chief Superintendent Julie Howe stated that the force is tackling and reducing crime, and that enhanced policing initiatives, including visible patrols and increased police numbers, are in place. She noted that in the town center, anti-social behavior has reduced by 5.7% and total crime by 3.2% compared to the previous year.
Despite these efforts, concerns remain among residents and business owners who feel the scale of the problem requires more robust intervention. The situation has also led to direct confrontations; a journalist and photographer reported being physically assaulted and verbally abused while attempting to investigate the encampment. The assailants were believed to be individuals from the undergrowth, possibly angered by the use of a drone.
The town, historically a popular tourist destination, now faces the challenge of balancing its appeal with the realities of public disorder, drug abuse, and homelessness, which some argue are being overshadowed by political narratives focused on migration. 
