As we move into 2026, we wanted to share an update on a highly successful festive period across our coastal areas, reflect on key security outcomes from 2025, and outline what’s coming up over the first part of the year ahead.
Thank you the continued support that we have received across our BID areas, as progress can only be achieved by collective effort and strong partnership working.
A Strong Festive Period Across the Coast
The Christmas period saw real momentum across Southbourne, Westbourne and the wider coastal BID areas, with increased footfall, engagement and visibility.
Festive highlights included:
Over 800 people attending the Westbourne Christmas Lights switch-on, up from around 150 the previous year
Harry Redknapp switching on the Westbourne Christmas lights, delivering excellent regional exposure
Festoon lights were reinstated n Westbourne and Christmas trees installed across all BID-managed areas
Continued support for Christmas in Bournemouth
A Successful security presence throughout the festive period
These initiatives helped create safer, more vibrant environments for businesses, residents and visitors during one of the most important trading periods of the year.
Over 1 Million Social Media Views: Promoting BID Businesses
Over the festive period, Coastal BID actively managed and promoted local businesses, events and destinations across its digital platforms:
428,000+ people reached via Love Westbourne
450,000+ views across Visit Southbourne
156,000+ views across Coastal BID channels
That’s more than 1 million views in total, significantly increasing visibility for BID businesses and showcasing the strength of our coastal destinations.
This momentum continues into 2026, with increased posting frequency and stronger engagement across Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Security Update: 2025 Outcomes Shaping 2026 Priorities
We are pleased to share key outcomes from the UK Partners Against Crime (UKPAC) 2025 Annual Report, alongside continued frontline support from Vanguard Security.
UKPAC – Intelligence & Enforcement Outcomes
Key positives from 2025 include:
Days of action delivered alongside Dorset Police
Increased engagement from venues using the UKPAC reporting system
Identification and arrest of repeat offenders impacting BID areas
Strong collaboration with local authorities, CSAS and neighbourhood policing teams
Continued targeted support for hotels, pubs and retail venues
The report highlights meaningful enforcement outcomes, including over 110 weeks of imprisonment and 8 years of Criminal Behaviour Orders issued, helping to reduce repeat offending and improve safety across the coastal BID areas .
Vanguard Security – Hotel Patrols & Incident Response (December 2025)
Vanguard Security continued to deliver visible patrols and responsive support across Coastal BID hotels during December 2025.
Patrol coverage included:
9 scheduled night patrols completed
Every Coastal BID hotel visited at least once on each patrol night, totalling 50+ site visits per night
Full checks of entrances, exits, car parks and communal areas
Direct liaison with hotel night staff where present
Checkpoint data confirming all patrols were completed as planned
Incident response:
December 2024: 3 call outs
December 2025: 7 call outs
While there were fewer scheduled patrol nights year-on-year, the increase in call outs reflects greater engagement from hotel teams and increased confidence in requesting early support to prevent issues escalating.
Incidents managed included:
Unauthorised persons and trespass
Disruptive or intoxicated individuals
Noise complaints
Reports of suspicious behaviour
One welfare-related incident
Outcomes:
No injuries to guests, staff or officers
No property damage reported
Police involvement limited to advisory support only
All incidents resolved on site
Overall, Vanguard Security provided effective coverage and rapid response, supporting hotel teams, reducing risk and providing reassurance during the busy festive period.
What’s Coming Up: Early 2026
Over the first part of 2026, Coastal BID will be focusing on:
Chinese New Year activity and promotion
Making safety and security a priority for all of our businesses and areas
UKPAC training days for our businesses
Free online training for all of our businesses and their staff via Further information and guidance shared via Seedl
Valentines Day, Mother’s Day & The Great British Spring Clean
- Our local websites will continue to be updated, showcasing the best of our areas and your businesses.
Staying Connected in 2026
LinkedIn: Increased activity to improve visibility and share progress more regularly
Continued promotion of businesses, events and seasonal activity via our social media channels.
If you have news, events or offers you’d like Coastal BID to help promote, please do get in touch.
Thank you for being part of Coastal BID. We look forward to building on this momentum together throughout 2026.
