A community patrol group in Bournemouth has accused the Bournemouth Daily Echo of harassment and “unprofessional conduct”, following a series of negative stories and what it describes as “completely inaccurate” reporting.
Safe Patrol Bournemouth, a voluntary group established to help keep local streets safe, issued a strongly worded public statement on Facebook yesterday, criticising the US Newsquest owned Daily Echo for its recent coverage of the group’s activities and its volunteers.
“We feel compelled to address the ongoing harassment and unprofessional conduct from the Bournemouth Daily Echo,” the statement read.
Safe Patrol Bournemouth alleges that the newspaper recently contacted them with an email listing the names of their volunteers, alongside references to past newspaper articles about criminal convictions. The Echo reportedly requested comment about a “serious crime allegedly committed by someone in our group”—but, according to Safe Patrol Bournemouth, the individual in question was not even the same person as their volunteer.
“Shockingly, their information was completely inaccurate—it wasn’t even the same person,” the group said. “This is deeply concerning and reflects poorly on their journalistic standards.”
The group also criticised the newspaper for what they describe as a pattern of negative and biased reporting. According to the statement, the Echo has repeatedly published negative stories about the group, and most recently ran a story about a driving conviction, which Safe Patrol Bournemouth says was “sensationalized”.
Safe Patrol Bournemouth, which launched in response to a spate of crime and anti-social behaviour on Bournemouth’s beaches, gardens, and in the town centre, says it operates a strict vetting process for its volunteers. “Let us be clear: we have a rigorous vetting process and a strict matrix to ensure our volunteers meet high standards,” the statement said.
The group also took issue with the Echo’s decision to disable public comments on their articles about Safe Patrol Bournemouth. “The Daily Echo’s credibility is questionable, especially as they’ve once again disabled comments on their posts to silence public discussion,” the statement added. “Shame on you, Bournemouth Daily Echo, for your lack of accountability and journalistic integrity.”
The group’s Facebook post concluded with an appeal to any lawyers or law firms who might wish to get in touch regarding the matter.
Hundreds of residents added comments of support. One supporter, Stephen Bailey, wrote: “Don’t be discouraged, you already have a great deal of public support behind you. After many years, people are beginning to see through these establishments, often to their embarrassment. We know you are doing your best to navigate very difficult circumstances, and it’s clear that you approach everything with respect. I hope that respect is returned to you. Your photos and posts provide the information we need, so please keep sharing them.”
Janet Spencer echoed the growing disillusionment with traditional media: “I don’t think that MSM are getting it are they? More and more people are seeing with their own eyes on social media what is actually going on! We have had enough of the lies and the gaslighting from so-called newspapers and mainstream news! It’s all too one-sided and clearly wants to point everyone in their chosen direction! Stand your ground guys, you are doing a marvellous job!”
Others were even more direct in their criticism of the Bournemouth Daily Echo. Scott Mosley commented: “It’s the worst publication in Britain, wouldn’t even classify it as journalism and the majority of the area agree.” Sherri White added: “I don’t believe a word the poisonous Echo prints. Its writers are no more creditable journalists than myself. Keep up the good work.”
The Bournemouth Daily Echo is published by Newsquest Media Group Ltd, one of the largest regional news publishers in the United Kingdom. Newsquest is itself owned by Gannett Company, Inc., a major US-based media conglomerate whose shareholders include BlackRock and Vanguard Group. While the Daily Echo operates locally, its ultimate parent company is American, making the paper part of a much larger international media network.
