DORSET Police has once again urged everyone to take personal responsibility for their actions as demand on the county’s resources continues to increase.

The major incidents that occurred at Durdle Door, coupled with the huge numbers of people who flocked to the beaches in Bournemouth and Poole, meant that emergency services resources were stretched and the public could not adhere to the Government’s social distancing guidance.

Chief constable James Vaughan said: “What we saw at the weekend was a very difficult situation for the county.

“People have been in lockdown for very many weeks and they understandably wanted to get out and about now the restrictions have been relaxed to enjoy the warm and sunny weather.

“People have not heeded the warnings we have given about thinking twice before coming to the county or going home if an area looks too busy.

“This weekend we saw tens of thousands of people flock to our beaches as there is nowhere else to go and our services were simply overwhelmed.

“We are doing all we can to keep people safe, but we have few very powers given by us to parliament following the easing of lockdown.

“We enforce the law and cannot enforce social distancing, which is government guidance. Personal responsibility is key as we all enjoy these new freedoms.”

Between May 29 and May 31 the police received 1,217 emergency 999 calls, 1,520 non-emergency calls and 892 emails. A total of 1,521 incidents were created and 374 crimes were recorded.

Tuesday June 2 was one of the busiest days in recent years with 419 emergency 999 calls received, compared to 265 on the same day last year. In total 627 new incidents were created, compared to 458 the previous year.

Police & crime commissioner Martyn Underhill said: “To those thinking about coming here again, squeezing onto overcrowded beaches, or taking part in hazardous activities, I ask you to please search your consciences.

“We cannot afford a repeat of the incidents that happened last weekend. The Covid-19 emergency is far from over and everyone must take responsibility for controlling the spread of the disease.

“If this irresponsible behaviour continues, sadly it will be people of our county who could pay the price.”