Over the years Boscombe has often been linked with numerous criminal activities, this has lead to the area being labelled as a hot spot for drug use, criminal activity and prostitution.
In 2013 it was reported that the police vice unit, ‘Operation Planet’ were focusing on rehabilitating both the prostitutes and kerb crawlers. Data suggests that the rates of crime in Boscombe are staying at reasonably low levels and is spread quite evenly around the area. No particular area would seem to have a particularly high rate of violence and sexual offences.
Examine the map and see if your neighbourhood has a lot of crime.
Boscombe’s image remains negative – it is still seen by many as a hotspot for prostitution. I took it upon myself to investigate whether or not this image is a true representation of the area .
Over 14 nights between the hours of 8pm to 2am I walked the streets of Boscombe. I focussed on the areas around Churchill Gardens, Palmerston Road and St. Clements road. Multiple news reports have suggested that these areas are where the prostitutes are. Several articles noted that a crackdown by police was happening here – one also focussed upon a picture drawn by a child that appeared to suggest that strippers and public urination were common. This drew attention of Vice who questioned the legitimacy of the claims.
Quotes from the article stated:
“He sees prostitutes regularly and the people fighting with the bottle. He’s seen people urinating in the graveyard at St Clement’s church.
“The children often get woken by shouting and screaming and witness women being picked up in cars, a lot of aggressive men are around all the time.”
All this evidence is pointing to Boscombe being a horrific area. But here is what I experienced – a friendly neighbourhood.
Over 14 summer nights I experienced no trouble – saw no prostitutes and no violence. By no means is it a perfect area – I witnessed some open drug use with people smoking joints. Recently an alleged rape has occurred in the area of St Clements Church – the area is by no means trouble free.
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Something else that I noticed during this time – the police were not present. We were in public areas and not hiding from sight yet we didn’t see a single police car. We also noticed a distinct lack of women – not with friends or on their own. Perhaps women do not feel safe in these areas given its reputation.
So where are all the prostitutes? The English Prostitutes Collective have stated that a police crackdown has not removed the prostitutes but simply moved them on. That this crackdown is forcing them to work in rougher areas that they usually wouldn’t. They have heavyweight support from Amnesty International who are of a similar opinion.
The police and council that operate in the area call their work a long term process with no easy fix. It is clear to see that the area still suffers from crime – but prostitution would appear to no longer be an issue. Only time will tell if the prostitutes have indeed gone or just relocated.
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