Gary Bartlett, founder of Safeguard Force, also created the Facebook group Taking Back Our Country. Although he has since stepped down from that group, he was a moderator for around a year, during which some posts included Islamophobic and anti-migrant content.
Post by Gary Bartlett (Image: Social media)
One post, made by Mr Bartlett himself, featured an AI-generated image of a gun pointed towards the coast with the caption: “I have just had permission for my business venture. I will be placing these along the south coast at 250m intervals.”
A resident criticised the post, saying: “How could anyone be expected to support this group when the founder posts this on their social media… how can we expect any decent vetting of the volunteers when this is the standard of its very own founder?”
Mr Bartlett responded by reassuring the public that Safeguard Force remains “non-political, inclusive, and entirely committed to working within the law.”
Addressing concerns over the gun image, he said: “I categorically state that this was taken out of context.
“It was not connected to Safeguard Force and did not promote violence in any way. I understand how it could be misinterpreted, which is why we are careful that official Safeguard Force communications focus solely on community safety and reassurance.”
Mr Bartlett, who runs a small Dorset business, also confirmed that he set up the Facebook group Taking Back Our Country.
According to the Byline Times, he also promoted a protest against “illegal immigration” in August 2024 and shared a video from UKIP leader and far-right activist Nick Tenconi.
The clip showed UKIP members demonstrating in Bournemouth in April, calling for mass deportations. Tenconi was recently accused of making a Nazi salute at a protest.
Speaking on the Facebook group, Mr Bartlett said: “That was a separate campaign and is in no way connected to Safeguard Force. Safeguard Force is a new initiative with its own principles, values, and structure.”
While authorities have made clear they do not endorse the group, Mr Bartlett told the Echo that Safeguard Force is working closely with them.
He said: “We are committed to working in partnership with these bodies, following safeguarding protocols, and providing impartial community service to all residents.”