Nitrous oxide use on Bournemouth beach fuelling disorder
Police seize large amount of nitrous oxide from beachgoers [Dorset Police]
Nitrous oxide is being consumed on an “almost industrial scale” on Bournemouth beach, fueling disorder, according to police.
Officers are dealing with large groups using laughing gas, or NOS, which is a Class C drug when used recreationally.
Dorset Police shared footage of officers seizing boxes full of cans and said they also found people trading NOS while the beach was littered with empty cans and balloons.
Many of the groups discussed were noted to be confrontational and antisocial behavior had an impact on families and other beachgoers.
Police found people selling nitrous oxide while the beach was littered with cans and balloons [Dorset Police]
In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Bournemouth Police said the use of nitrous oxide led to antisocial behavior and disorder “thanks to the short-term high levels achieved”.
“More than 20 officers on patrol spent most of their day dealing with this as large groups descended on the beach,” the post said.
“Their behavior affects local people, visiting families and those who are here to have a good time and use the beautiful space on our doorstep.
“Many of the groups discussed are confrontational and see nothing wrong with consuming something that is classed as a Class C drug when used in this way.”
The Bournemouth neighborhood policing team said they also deal with missing children, reported sexual assaults, drunk children, drug possession, fighting and drunken adults and vulnerable people experiencing a mental health crisis.
They said officers made “numerous arrests,” issued dispersal orders and took security measures.
