'Please please be sensible:' Dorset Police Chief Constable warns this Easter weekend

The Chief Constable of Dorset Police wants visitors to the county to be sensible and respect the area this Easter weekend.

It comes as tonnes of litter was left in beauty spots around the country this week and last summer when the weather was warmer.

Chief Constable James Vaughan say's "there is hope on the horizon" with the vaccination programme and easing of lockdown, but ask visitors to act safely and care for the environment while enjoying time with their friends and family.

Dorset Police are reminding visitors of the events of last year, when Wareham Forest was set alight and more than 150 hectares of heath and woodland were destroyed, and tonnes of rubbish was left on Bournemouth beach.

Wareham Forest was set alight and more than 150 hectares of heath and woodland were destroyed last year. Credit: ITV News Meridian
Dorset Police are reminding visitors of the events of last year, when tonnes of rubbish was left on Bournemouth beach. Credit: ITV News Meridian

The Chief Constable say's the force is working closely with BCP Council, RNLI, Maritime Coastal Agency, businesses and other agencies to react effectively over the high-demand days in the spring and summer when the weather is warmer.

He admits the force was not prepared fo the influx of visitors to the county's beauty spots last year, but say they are 'well prepared' now.

Traffic managements plans will be in place and more police officers will be patrolling in Dorset beauty spots.