Burglary E-Fit released

20.01.12

Detectives have released an e-fit picture of a man believed to be responsible for a daylight burglary in Queens Park.

The incident, in which a man forced entry into a house in St Alban’s Road and stole jewellery and electrical items, happened at around 3pm on Thursday 5 January 2012.

Stolen items include an iPad, a games console and a diamond ring.

It is believed the man called at a neighbouring house at around 2.30pm earlier that afternoon, only to make vague excuses to the occupants when they answered the door.

The man is described as black, over 30 years of age, around six feet tall, of a slim build and with a long face. He was wearing dark clothing.

Anyone who witnessed this incident, or anyone who has any information that may assist the investigation, should contact Dorset Police on 101 quoting incident 11:48 or Crime stoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555 111.

St Luke's scheme road works

10.1.12

Construction work starts shortly on the 20mph zone surrounding St Luke's School.

The project will involve creation of road humps, crossings and other road and pavement features. It starts on January 16 and is expected to last for five weeks.

At various stages Heron Court, Maxwell and Somerely Roads will be closed and diversions will be set up.

Good marks for Winton school

10.1.12

Winton Arts and Media College is making good progress under the leadership of its new headteacher. That's the verdict of the latest Ofsted report which puts the school among the most improved in Britain.

It says that although the 2011 GCSE standards were below the national average, there are clear signs of improvement in achievement and attitude since the school was placed under special measures last year.

Among the findings: teaching and learning is much better, behaviour and safety are much better, and achievement and standards are higher.

Examination results have seen a 10% point rise, making the school one of the most improved in the country.

The full Ofsted report can be found here.

Christmas Tree Recycling

7.1.12

During the two weeks starting Monday 9 January, you should put your tree out for collection on the day of your normal refuse collection (little bin) that is also the opposite week to the recycling bin (big bin) collection.

If you miss your collection day your tree can be taken to Millhams Household Recycling Centre for disposal or to the Kings Park collection point which will be running on January 8, 15 and 22 from 9am till 1pm.

More action on noise

31.12.11

Another Bournemouth resident has been prosecuted for noise nuisance and has had his sound equipment permanently confiscated following a breach of a Noise Abatement Notice.

Lee Baker of 1A Wooton Gardens was served with a Noise Abatement Notice by Council officers in June 2011 after complaints about loud amplified music coming from the property on a number of occasions.

He subsequently breached the order on 26 June 2011 and a warrant was served to seize all sound-making equipment from the property on 30 June 2011.

Baker appeared at Bournemouth Magistrates Court on 20 December 2011 and was prosecuted for breach of the notice with an 18 month conditional discharge and forfeiture of all sound-making equipment.

If a further breach is witnessed in the next 18 months the Council could take the matter back to the courts.

Councillor David Smith, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: "The Environmental Health team has undertaken a number of equipment seizures over the last year and the judge's decision to forfeiture all of the sound-making equipment was a fair and a good outcome for both the Council and for those residents affected by the noise nuisance. This sends out a strong message to residents that we will not tolerate anti-social behaviour of this nature in Bournemouth and the team will continue to robustly prosecute individuals who continue to disturb their neighbours. It also highlights the importance of residents reporting any issues of noise nuisance to the Council so that further investigation can take place."

Residents can call 01202 451296 to report noise nuisance in Bournemouth.

Fake Alcohol Warning

19.12.11

There is a warning today that fake wine and spirits are being sold in Bournemouth.

Counterfeit wine has been seizwed, as well as industrial alcohols (e.g. Methanol and Isopropanol) being sold as vodka.

"Spending on these products is just pouring money down the drain," said Councillor David Smith, Cabinet Member for Communities. "At best, these drinks are third-grade and dressed up as well-known quality brands: at worst, they could damage your health."

The quality of counterfeit packaging will vary, but here are a few things to look out for when spotting counterfeit alcohol products:

* Misspellings, such as "AUSTRLIA" in place of "Australia"
* Labels glued in place at odd angles
* Flat printed labels where products are usually embossed or have
holograms
* Unusual places of origin - vodka from Italy, for instance
* Vague or incomplete importer details - reputable manufacturers
will be proud of their products, and will usually have a website as well.

Consumers finding any alcohol product which alerts their suspicions can contact Consumer Direct (the Government reporting line) on 08454 040506 or 01209 720333

Local Primary School Performance

16.12.11

New figures from the Department of Education show that only two primary schools in the Winton/Queens Park/Charminster area did better than the national average.

Performance tables for the achievement of Level 4 in English and Maths show that 85% of pupils at St Walburga's and 78% at St Luke's made the standard. The national average is 74%.

Details are given in the table below. For more data on these schools and others in Bournemouth go to the full performance tables on the DfE website.

Council clamps down on noise nuisance

14.12.2011

A Winton resident has been fined £200 and had his sound equipment confiscated following a breach of a Noise Abatement Notice.

Gordon Cameron of 8 Parker Road, Winton was served with a Noise Abatement Notice by Council officers in October 2011 after a number of complaints about loud amplified music coming from the property late at night.

He subsequently breached the order just hours after the notice was served when he ignored police and Council officers' requests to turn the music off.

A warrant was served by Bournemouth Magistrates Court to seize all noise-making equipment from the property on 20 October.

Cameron appeared at Bournemouth Magistrates Court on 7 December 2011 and was prosecuted for breach of the notice and was fined £200. If a further breach is witnessed before 7 January the Council could take the matter back to the court.

Councillor David Smith, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: "Thanks to the swift action of Council officers, with the support of the police we have been able to deal with this noise issue effectively. This sends out a strong message to residents that we will not tolerate anti-social behaviour of this nature in Bournemouth. It also highlights the importance of residents reporting any issues of noise nuisance to the Council so that further investigation can take place."

Charminster sex attack

2.12.11

Police are looking for two men after a sexual assault on a woman in Charminster's Lowther Road.

The woman got off a bus at Cemetery Junction at around 4.3PM on Friday 18 November, and went to the Charminster Tesco Express before walking down Lowther Road. It was there at about 5PM when she was approached by two men and subsequently assaulted.

One man is described was Asian-looking, in his 20s, with brown skin, about 5ft 5in tall and of small to medium build. He had black spiky hair and was wearing a black jacket. The second man was of about the same age but taller than the first. He had a lighter skin colour and was of a larger build. He had dark hair and was wearing a jacket. Both spoke with Asian accents.

Witnesses or anybody with information should call the police in confidence on 101, quoting incident number 18:399. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.

Effects of strike on Wednesday 30 November

The council has issued the following list of expected effects:

Refuse, recycling and green waste collections
Residents should put out all bins that are scheduled for collection as normal on the day of the strike. Any bin that is missed should be put out ready for collection on Saturday 3 December 2011. Millhams Civic Amenity Site will be open as usual.

Libraries
Kinson Hub library will be open as usual. Boscombe, Bournemouth and Castlepoint libraries will be closed As part of the normal schedule all other libraries are closed on a Wednesday. Library items are not due to be returned or renewed on 30 November 2011

Schools
All schools apart from Linwood School will be closed to pupils. Schools are communicating direct with parents about closures

Day centres
Two centres will remain open (to be determined on the day). Passenger Transport will operate as usual. For those residents who organise their own transport it is advisable to check with the individual Day Centre before making your journey.

Passenger transport
All services will operate as usual

Children's centres
Children's Centres will be open as usual

Community Centres
Community centres will be open as usual

Town hall
Bournemouth Town Hall will be open as usual. The Council's customer services centre will be operating as normal on 01202 451451 (although callers may experience longer waiting times)

MP confronts Winton student problems

26.11.11

Bournemouth West MP Conor Burns has told local residents that he is determined to tackle problems of anti-social behaviour associated with the high concentration of students in the Winton area.

In a meeting today organised by Winton Forum, residents told him of the destruction of a community and creation of ghettos where ordinary families had been forced to move out because of abuse, shouting, noisy parties that lasted from evening to the following morning, street litter including broken bottles and vomit, urination, defecation and even sex taking place on the street.

He heard how some residents were afraid to complain because of fear of reprisals, and of situations where police officers were unable to exert control because they were outnumbered by dozens of drunken students.

Landlords were strongly criticised for failing to take responsibility for properties. The local authority came under fire for failing to provide adequate waste disposal and street cleaning. The University and AUCB were blamed for not exerting enough discipline upon students and failing to impress on them the need for social responsibility. Many residents felt that they paid their council tax and suffered while the universities, landlords and students profited at their expense.

Some of the suggested solutions included proper licensing of landlords, tougher university action to enhance its own reputation and deal with problem students, and university funded security patrols which would operate like proctors in older established universities.

After the meeting Conor Burns admitted that many residents had been suffering in silence. He said: "I'm really concerned that people are living with this ongoing problem. People are clearly very emotional as a consequence of being ground down over a period of time by consistent bad behaviour by a group within the community - emanating from the student body. I'm absolutely resolved now to see what we can try and do to offer some hope of a quiet and more peaceful future."

Further meetings are planned with very senior representatives of the organisations involved.

AFC backs local youth football project

24.11.11

AFC Bournemouth is backing a project that could turn some of Winton's young football fans into professional players.

The 'Pine Park Goals Project' is to be held in Pine Park, Pine Road, Winton starting on the 14th December.

Participants will be split into 2 sections - one for the Under 13's between 17:00 and 18:00 hrs and one for the 13 plus age group from 18:00 - 19:00 hrs.

This is a project run by Dorset Police along with Bournemouth Council and AFC Bournemouth. There will be a coach from AFCB there giving training, there are also youth leaders and a community police officer in attendence.

Portable floodlights are being introduced to provide illumination.

Charity collection theft

11.11.11

Police are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information to come forward after a charity collection box was stolen from a shop in Moordown. CCTV images have been released of a man and a woman that officers wish to speak to.

The incident, in which a Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal charity box was taken from the Tesco Express store on Wimborne Road, took place at approximately 8.25am on Sunday, 6 November 2011.

The exact amount of cash that was stolen is not known.

Sergeant Andy Edwards said: “This theft was a heartless act that has taken money, generously donated by the public, away from an extremely worthy cause.

“I believe a man entered the store and cut a chain to release the charity collection box, before concealing it under his jacket and leaving the store.

“This was a despicable and callous theft and I am committed to bringing those responsible to justice.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 07:204. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.

Uni acts tough on student noise

12.10.11

Bournemouth University has revealed that more than two hundred students were the subject of anti-social behaviour complaints last year.

Of the two hundred and four dealt with, 159 got an initial warning letter, 20 were interviewed with no further action, and 23 got fines of between £50 and £75.

Twelve students applealed against their fines, but the appeals were not upheld.

Fifty houses were involved.

Charminster Drugs Raid

12.10.11

Drugs have been seized in a raid on a house in Avon Road, Charminster.

Police entered the property with a search warrant on 6 October. One person was arrested and charged with possession of Class A and B drugs. Two other people were cautioned.

If you have any information regarding criminal activity and would like to speak to an officer in confidence, then please call Dorset Police on the new non-emergency number of 101.

Action hots up over student behaviour

11.10.11

A spate of anti-social behaviour centred on student houses has prompted a strong reaction from the University and Arts University College authorities.

Already this term residents have complained about a number of issues including students holding loud parties into the early hours of the morning, shouting, vomiting and urinating in the streets and nearby gardens.

Both the University and AUCB have issued statements to Winton Forum which can be seen on our message board and student issues page.

The main message for residents is to call Environmental Health on 01202 451145 or alternatively the new 101 non emergency police number at the time that the nuisance is occurring. It is understood that the intention is to clamp down hard and some students could even face losing their university and AUCB places.

National award for Winton police heroism

01.10.11

Two Winton-based women police officers are to receive national awards for their heroism in tackling a brutal armed gang who were subjecting a young family to a horrifying ordeal. Their actions led to the three men being jailed for a total of twenty nine years.

PC Katie Harvey and PC Kelli Walker were unarmed when they confronted and arrested the men who were in the process of torturing a man in his Castle Lane home.

Both officers are described as demonstrating considerable bravery in tackling and detaining three armed men, without knowing whether or not they would use their weapons. They are to receive the ITV Daybreak Emergency Services Award on Monday. It is part of the "Pride of Britain" campaign.

Both officers have already the South-West regional award for police bravery.

Tidy up the neighbourhood

01.10.11

Community organisations, local groups and even neighbours are being invited to organise their own litter picks as part of Bournemouth Council's Smart Streets programme.

The Council will provide organised groups of people with all the equipment necessary including hi vis clothing, bags, gloves and litter grabbers to help carry out a clean up in their immediate community. They will also collect and dispose of all the waste bags afterwards free of charge.

Anyone interested in organising their own litter pick should telephone cleansing & waste on 451199.

New 101 police number

19.09.11

Dorset police have launched a new telephone number for non-urgent enquires. You should now dial 101 to speak to the police on anything which is not an emergency.

The new 101 number replaces the previous non-emergency police number 222 222.

Call 101 to report crime, to contact the local Safer Neighbourhood Team, to give information about crimes that have been committed or to make a general enquiry.

But always dial 999 in an emergency when life is in danger or a crime is in progress.

Calls to the 101 non-emergency number from both landlines and mobile phones cost 15 pence per call no matter what time of day you call, or how long you are on the phone.

Flood action

15.09.11

A special group has been set up to help shape emergency responses in the wake of the August 18th flash floods.

It will comprise of local councillors and representatives of the Environment Agency, Wessex Water and the Emergency Services. The group will focus on areas of improvement and changes to Council procedures to help develop and improve local service responses to future flood situations.

Councillors John Adams, Mark Anderson, Robert Lawson, Michael Weinhonig and Roger West will represent the Council on the group. The decision to form the group was taken in light of floods that saw Bournemouth experience a month's worth of rainfall in a single day.

Man on life-support after Charminster fracas

06.09.11

A 23 year old man is critically ill in hospital after a violent incident in Charminster.

The man suffered brain damage in the incident and is comatose on a life-support machine in Poole Hospital.

Emergency services were called to Heron Court Road near its junction with Charminster Road at around 2.30AM on Saturday 3 September. Residents reported having heard a number of voices shouting and screaming.

A 49 year old man also suffered minor facial injuries in the incident.

Two 15-year-old boys and a 17-year-old have been charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent. A fourth has been questioned and released on police bail.

The youths are due to appear in court this morning.

Bowls club targeted

02.09.11

Burglars have got away with several hundred pounds after breaking into the bowls club building in Winton Recreation Ground.

They forced open steel shutters and then broke into a safe. The damage alone is estimated at several thousand pounds.

The burglary happened in the early hours of Wednesday morning 31 August.

Red Arrow Condolences

21.08.11

A book of condolence has been opened for the Red Arrows pilot killed on Saturday just after giving a display during the Air Festival.

You can sign the book, add your thoughts and make a donation if you wish. The book is located at the Town Hall and will be available for some days.

Thirty three year old Flight Lieutenant Jon Egging's plane apparently failed to recover from a shallow dive and crashed into a field near Throop Mill.

Flt Lt Egging was a Qualified Flying Instructor and had flown ground support missions as a Harrier pilot in Afghanistan. He and his wife lived in Rutland.

Locals save injured man's life

15.08.11

Charminster residents are being praised for actions that may have saved the life of a man trapped in a road accident.

The motorcyclist was involved in a collision with a car at the junction of Stewart and Charminster Roads. The vehicle ended up on top of him, pressing down on his chest and making it hard for him to breathe.

Within seconds around two dozen local people had gathered round the Ford Fiesta and physically lifted it away from him.

The accident happened late on Saturday afternoon. The motorcyclist was taken to hospital were his condition was described as serious but stable.

Arrests on riot charges

11.08.11

Local police have made three more arrests in connecton with the public disorder that has swept across parts of Britain.

A 23 year-old man from Poole and two 16 year-old boys - one from Poole and one from Bournemouth - were arrested on suspicion of incitement to riot.

Assistant Chief Constable Adrian Whiting is leading the Dorset Police operation. He said: "Anyone planning on either inciting or causing disorder should understand that their behaviour will not be tolerated and Dorset Police will arrest them and set about bringing them to justice."

Dorset Police officers are also visiting anyone linked in any way to social networking discussions about planning of or involvement in disorder to warn them about the potential consequences of their continued participation.

ACC Whiting continued: "Although the events experienced around the UK in the last few days have quietened down and Dorset has not, so far, suffered any repercussions, we will continue to monitor the situation. We also continue to appeal to members of the public with any information that would help us to keep Dorset safe to come forward."

Today’s three arrests follow the arrest of a 23-year-old man from Bournemouth on Tuesday 9 August 2011, who has since been released on police bail while enquiries continue.

Meat cleaver muggers

05.08.11

Police are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information after a teenager was robbed and threatened with a meat cleaver..

The incident, in which two men threatened a 16-year-old boy and stole his mobile phone, happened in Charminster Road at the junction with Lowther Road, at around 1.10am on Saturday, 23 July.

The victim was not injured – his Apple iPhone 4 was stolen. The offenders walked off along Lowther Road, telling the victim that he should walk in the opposite direction.

Detective Constable Rich Saunders, of Bournemouth CID, said: "Following further enquiries, I am now able to release a CCTV image that shows two men who may be able to help me with my investigation.

"One of these men is also shown on CCTV in a nearby supermarket, in which he purchased a can of lager."

Anti-social behaviour down

02.08.11

Latest figures show that anti-social behaviour is down by 23.5% across North Bournemouth.

There were 642 fewer incidents of anti-social behaviour (ASB) reported across North Bournemouth between 1 April and 31 July 2011 - a reduction of 23.5% compared to the same period in 2010.

A number of initiatives have been introduced by Dorset Police and its partners to reduce the number of incidents of ASB.

This includes running targeted police operations as both a preventative approach to incidents of ASB and to provide a policing presence in areas where previous incidents have occurred.

In addition, police and partners regularly conduct visits to the parents of young people found to be involved in anti-social behaviour and ASB contracts have also been introduced to monitor the behaviour of young people involved in incidents of anti-social behaviour.

The North Bournemouth policing area includes Bearwood, Kinson, West Howe, Northbourne, Wallisdown, Moordown, Winton, Throop, Muscliff, Townsend, Strouden Park, Charminster, Queens Park, Meyrick Park, Talbot, Bournemouth University and Bournemouth Arts University College.

Eye on the park

29.07.11

A CCTV camera has been installed in Winton Recreation Ground.

The move follows concerns expressed by local residents about possible anti-social behaviour in the park - which has once again this year won a Green Flag award.

Surveillance data will be made available to the police, but the camera is not expected to be a permanent fixture.

Head quits school

18.07.11

The head teacher of Queens Park Junior School has quit after the school apparently failed to make enough progress following an adverse Ofsted report.

In a letter to parents following disappointing SATS results, head Dominic Sibeth said that he was leaving by mutual agreement with the Local Authority and the Chair of Governors.

The Ofsted inspection in March had put the school on "special measures" and concluded that "Key aspects of the school's provision including the curriculum, and teaching and learning are inadequate. Leaders and managers are not driving improvement effectively. The school has not made sufficient progress since the last inspection and, therefore, cannot demonstrate that it has the capacity to make and sustain improvements. The school's self-evaluation procedures lack rigour and there has not been sufficient monitoring and evaluation of the progress and attainment of different groups of pupils."

Deputy head Alexandra Roberts will be running the school until the end of term.

Sex attacker e-fit

17.07.11

Police have issued an e-fit of a sex attacker who may have been responsible for a number of offences in the Bournemouth area.

The most recent was in the early hours of Sunday 22 May when he grabbed a 19 year old woman and dragged her into a driveway at the Richmond Hill end of Wimborne Road, before sexually assaulting her.

Police say they are connecting him with at least one case of indecent assault and possibly with a number of other similar incidents.

The man is described as in his early to mid-twenties, of a slim build, with a dark skin complexion and short dark curly hair. In one of the incidents he was wearing a grey T-shirt with a gold arrow piercing through a large red shiny heart printed on the front. His belt had a distinct silver skull and crossbones buckle. He was also wearing a silver chain with a silver cross attached and distinctive diamond-studded earrings in both ears.

Anybody who thinks they may recognise this man is asked to contact Bournemouth police on on 01202 222222 quoting incident number 20:421.

Bravery award for Winton police officers

09.07.11

Two Winton-based women police officers have been rewarded for showing exceptional courage in a dangerous situation.

PC Katie Harvey and PC Kelli Walker have received the South-West regional award for police bravery.

The officers, both based at Winton Police Station, were unarmed when they confronted and arrested armed gang members in the midst of a violent burglary.

Both officers are described as demonstrating considerable bravery in tackling and detaining three armed men, without knowing whether or not they would use their weapons. Their courageous actions brought an end to a terrifying ordeal for a family with a young child and lead to three violent offenders being brought to justice.

The officers were invited to a reception in Downing Street with Prime Minister David Cameron before receiving their award at the ceremony held at the Savoy Hotel in London.

Their actions were described as heroic by Dorset Chief Constable Martin Baker.

Crash memorial unveiled

09.07.11

Those who died in wartime bomber crash are now remembered in a memorial in Moordown.

The Halifax bomber crashed on Wimborne Road in March 1944. All seven crew and two civilians were killed.

Full details of the crash were first published as an eyewitness account on the Winton Forum website in 2007. Click here to read them.

The memorial is at the corner of Wimborne Road and Meadow Court Close.

Fashionable restaurant revived

07.07.11

A neglected Winton restaurant is back in business more than seventy years after it had become one of the most fashionable in the area,

Once an ultra-smart art deco venue where flappers could enjoy the novelty of an ice cream parlour - and after a long period of dusty neglect - the restaurant at the former Moderne cinema and Gala bingo hall has been refitted and is back serving refreshments.

Part of the Bournemouth Community Church LifeCentre redevelopment, the restaurant's worn-out chrome and torn leather furniture has been replaced by glistening white. It has now been re-named the Cafe Moderne.

Today's menu features soups, warm baguettes, Paninis, salads, cakes and a variety of Italian coffees.

Taken for a ride

05.07.11

Police are looking for a gang who offered an elderly Moordown woman a lift as a means of robbing her.

The woman was offered the lift to her home in Brassey Close in a dark saloon containing two men and two women. On arrival, the two women asked if they could use the toilet. One of them used the ploy to take money from the elderly woman's handbag.

One of the women is described as white slim build, brown hair, aged between 28-32 years old. The other is described as white, medium build, dark brown shoulder hair, aged between 16-17 years old.

The incident happened at around lunchtime on Monday July 4.

Police are warning elderly residents not to allow people into their homes unless they are absolutely sure they know who they are.

Restivo gets life for Heather Barnett murder

30.06.11

Danilo Restivo has been found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering Charminster seamstress Heather Barnett – almost nine years after her two children discovered her mutilated body.

The 39-year-old Italian was found guilty of killing 48-year-old Heather Barnett during the morning of Tuesday, 12 November 2002. The judge told him he would never be released.

Heather’s daughter Caitlin and son Terry, then aged 11 and 14, found her later that day after returning from school to their ground floor flat in Capstone Road.

She had been struck several times to the head with a hammer-type object and had been left with an unknown woman’s hair in her right hand.

During the six-week trial, the 12 members of the jury heard that Restivo had been among the first people to comfort Heather’s distraught children.

Restivo, who moved to the Bournemouth area from Italy in 2002, lived immediately opposite the Barnett family along Chatsworth Road – with his lounge window looking directly out onto the flat in which she worked as a seamstress.

Charminster shop raided

13.06.11

A gang has got away with cash after a violent weekend raid on a Charminster shop.

Three men burst into the Premier Bulbul Express and Off Licence in Bennett Road at about 6.20AM on Sunday morning. Another man stood watch outside.

The gang attacked the shop assistant, leaving him with facial injuries that needed hospital treatment.

Three of the gang were described as black, about 5ft 10 inches tall and wearing dark hooded tops. The fourth man was white, stocky and also wearing dark clothing.

All four ran off down either Capstone or Bennett Road. Police want to hear from anybody who saw anything suspicious or may have found something unusual dumped in their garden.

Witness appeal

13.06.11

Police are renewing their appeal for witnesses and anyone with information to come forward after the death of 17-year-old Emily Longley a month ago.

Inspector Neil Devoto, Senior Investigating Officer, said: "We are extending our enquiries to a wooded area between Queenswood Avenue and Copsewood Avenue, Queens Park, Bournemouth near to the address in Queenswood Avenue where Emily was found on the morning of Saturday, 7 May, 2011.

"We are asking for information about two men described as in their late teens seen acting suspiciously in that area around 6pm the evening before she died, Friday, 6 May 2011."

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police inconfidence on 01202 or 01305 22 22 22 quoting incident number 7:166.

Meet the police

11.06.11

Charminster and Queens Park Safer Neighbourhood Team would like to invite you to attend a street corner meeting to be held at Charminster Road junction with Kings Road between 1900-1930hrs on Thursday 23rd June.

This is your chance to meet members of the team and discuss any ongoing issues or concerns that you may have.

If you would like to talk to a member of the team but cannot attend the meeting then please contact them on either 07917 557177 or their email address of c&qp.snt@dorset.pnn.police.uk

Phone scam alert

10.06.11

Dorset police are warning that a telephone scam is currently doing the rounds.

Victims receive a telephone call from a person claiming to be from BT. The caller claims they will disconnect you because of an unpaid bill and ask you to make payment via credit card over the phone.

They realise that you may not believe them so offer to demonstrate that they are from BT by asking you to hang up and then try dialling someone. They say they will disconnect you to prevent making that call.

During this process your phone will appear dead, no dialling or engaged tone - nothing until they phone you again. This is simply because they have not hung up at the other end and has nothing to do with disconnection. Do not give any credit card details to the caller.

If you have any concerns or would like to speak to a member of your local safer neighbourhood team please contact 01202 22 22 22.

Carry the torch for Bournemouth!

6.6.11

The search is on across the country for 8,000 inspirational people to carry the Olympic Flame on its 70-day journey around the UK .  

The Olympic Torch will pass through Bournemouth on 13th and 14th July 2012 and the national organisers, LOCOG, want YOUR nominations for people who you think deserve the honour of carrying the Olympic Torch through the town.

Give someone you know the opportunity to have their moment to shine and nominate them as a Torchbearer by 29th June 2011.  

Go to www.london2012.com/olympic-torch-relay to nominate.

Burglary Alert

17.05.11

Police say a series of burglaries appear to be taking place in the Branksome and Talbot Woods areas.

These are occurring in the afternoon with entry being gained by smashing a window with a stone or rock. Items stolen include electrical goods and cash.

You are advised to review your home security arrangements. A free crime prevention survey is available through your Local Safer Neighbourhood Team. If you see anything suspicious around a property please dial 999 immediately.

Go Green Survey

17.05.11

Bournemouth council is conducting a survey as part of its environmental campaign.

You can take part by visiting this page.

Quarter century of helping people

13.05.11

A local pharmacist is today celebrating 25 years service to the local community.

Jackie Campbell came to the Fiveway branch of Rowlands Pharmacy after backpacking round the world. She had gained her qualifications at London University before gaining experience at major hospitals in Bedford and Nottingham. She was offered the job on three months trial, and has never looked back.

Well known for her friendly and sympathetic approach, Jackie likes to spend her spare time either scuba-diving or singing in a local choir.

Protect your Neighbours

13.05.11

Residents are being encouraged to help protect their elderly and vulnerable neighbours from distraction burglars and rogue traders.

Dorset Police and East Boro Housing Trust have teamed up in the "Refer a Neighbour" scheme to fit free locks and door chains to homes of elderly and vulnerable people in the area.

The organisations are encouraging concerned residents to call the dedicated Refer a Neighbour hotline number and leave their neighbours’ details on the 24-hour answer phone.

A local Safer Neighbourhood officer will then pay them a visit to provide advice on home security and how to deal with strangers who call at the door, as well as offering the option of having free locks and door chains fitted by East Boro Housing Trust’s Handy Van Security Service.

To qualify for the scheme the referred person must live in Bournemouth or Poole, be unable to adequately secure their home or prevent strangers from entering their home and be aged 60+. Labour is free and materials are free up to a value of £250.

The Refer a Neighbour hotline number is 01202227840. Calls can be left anonymously and visits will be treated with discretion.

Tory victories in Winton, Queens Park, Wallisdown and Moordown.

6.05.11

Echoing the result across the borough, Conservative candidates have swept the board in Winton East, Moordown and Wallisdown and Winton West.

In most cases the Tories registered double the number of votes of their next nearest political rivals.

They have consolidated their position in Winton East despite a large number of opposing candidates and a problematic situation in which one Tory councillor had been suspended by the national party and another had defected to the Liberal Democrats.

The most nail-biting result of the day was in Queens Park where two Conservative candidates got exactly the same number of winning votes and the third, former Tory leader Stephen MacLoughlin, after two recounts, lost to Lib Dem Carol Ainge by just two votes

Click here for full local results on our politics page.

Car vandalism

20.04.11

Police are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information to come forward after four cars were criminally damaged in the Charminster and Winton areas.

Sometime between 12.30am and 8.30am on Monday, 18 April 2011, tyres were punctured on a total of four parked cars along Meyrick Park Crescent, Lonsdale Road, Bennett Road and Wimborne Road near the junction with St Lukes Road.

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 01202 22 22 22 quoting incident number 18:57.

American TV role for local drama student

20.04.11

A young Bournemouth drama student has landed a part in a major American television series due to be aired on Sky later this summer.

Twelve year old Aidan Alexander is a pupil at the Charminster-based Bournemouth Youth Theatre and will be appearing alongside a number of top actors including Jeremy Irons.

The series depicts the Borgias - one of the most corrupt and notorious families in history. It is set in sixteenth century Italy, but was filmed largely on location Poland.

Aidan plays the part of the young brother of the infamous Lucrezia Borgia.

Safer Neighbourhood Volunteers

19.04.11

Charminster and Queens Park safer neighbourhood team are currently recruiting Street Reps for the area.

If you care about your local community and would like to make a difference in your area then please contact them at c&qp@dorset.pnn.police.uk for more details.

Big choice in May elections

6.4.11

Voters will be getting a bigger than average choice of candidates in the local elections on May 5.

The list of nominations shows no less than fourteen people standing as borough councillors in both Winton East and Queens Park. Twelve are standing in Moordown and eleven in Wallisdown and Winton West.

Alongside candidates fielded by the three main parties, there are also a number of independents and representatives of the Green, UK Independence, and and Liberal parties.

More information and a list of candidates across the borough can be found on the council website.

Violent burglary in Charminster

17.03.11

Police are appealing for witnesses and information after a pensioner was robbed in his own home.

Two men entered a house in Charminster Road, near the junction with Luckham Road, between 8.30pm and 9pm on Thursday, 10 March. They pushed the 81 year old owner to the floor and made off with several items, including a bus pass, shop reward cards and a packaged Tetley’s toy red lorry.

Detective Constable Mark Shields said: “The two offenders knocked on the property’s rear door, waited for the victim to answer and then knocked him to the ground. They ransacked his bedrooms before making good their escape.”

Both men are described as white and aged in their twenties. They were wearing dark clothing.

Thieves at bay

04.03.11

A number of ornamental bay trees have been stolen from front gardens in the Queens Park area.

The thefts have all occurred in the past few days during the early hours of the morning.

It is likely the trees were stolen to order and police are appealing for information from anybody who may have seen anything or have an idea of where the trees may have ended up.

Police step up ASB patrols

18.02.11

Police are scheduling an increasing number of patrols to combat anti-social behaviour in the area.

The move is timed to coincide with schools half-term and the lighter evenings.

Additional police officers and PCSOs will be on hand during the half term week to carry out patrols and respond to specific incidents of anti-social behaviour as they occur. The officers will also check on known offenders during their patrols. You are asked to report any incidents to Police on 01202 222222 or in an emergency dial 999.

Queens Park burglary alert

8.2.11

Criminals are targeting homes in Queens Park in series of burglaries.

So far there have been seven break-ins in the last fourteen days. Police say most of them have been between 8.00pm and midnight, with Wednesday and Saturdays being the prevalent days.

Police advise residents to review their home security arrangements. A free survey is available through your Local Safer Neighbourhood Team. If you see or hear anything suspicious please call the Police on 999 immediately.

Police hunt Charminster flasher

8.2.11

Police are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information to come forward after a man exposed himself to a woman walking down Charminster Avenue..

The man whistled at her and exposed himself at around 7pm on Friday, 4 February. He was standing on the pavement at either the Strouden Road or Gresham Road junction with Charminster Avenue.

He is described as white, slim, in his thirties, and had light short blonde hair. He was wearing a dark jacket and dark trousers.

Richmond Wood Road burglary

7.2.11

A ground floor flat was broken into on Richmond Wood Road, Charminster between midday on Saturday 5th February and 3.00 pm on Sunday 6th February . Entry was gained by forcing a rear window but it is believed nothing was stolen.

Poluice are asking residents to take this opportunity to review home security.

If you would like a free crime prevention survey please contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Team. If you saw anything suspicious in the Richmond Wood Road area please contact Dorset Police on 01202 222 222 quoting crime number 5609.

Man attacked in Charminster

02.02.11

Detectives are appealing for witnesses and anyone with any information to come forward after a man was seriously assaulted during an attempted robbery in the Charminster area.

The incident, in which a man was attacked by three men wielding golf clubs, happened at the junction of Stewart Road and Henville Road at around 2am on Sunday, 30 January .The victim, from the Czech Republic, sustained a fractured jaw and lacerations to the head.

Detective Constable James Lees said: “The 28-year-old victim was approached by three men who demanded that he hand over his wallet. When he refused, the attackers struck him to the head with golf clubs and searched his pockets.”

Nothing was stolen. The three attackers are white, aged in their early twenties and were all wearing hooded tops.

DC Lees continued: “After the assault the victim was treated at Poole hospital and later released. He has since been re-admitted to hospital for further treatment. I am appealing for anyone who witnessed this incident, and anyone with any information about those responsible, to contact me urgently.”

Reporting ban lifted

01.02.11

The restriction on reporting certain court details connected with the Moordown murder case has now been lifted.

The man charged with the murder is named as 28 year old Mahmud Ibrahim Bakir of Wimborne Road. The deceased has been named as 20 year old Kewan Khorsheed. A post mortem determined that he had died from a single stab wound.

Bakir is also charged with violent disorder along with three other men. They are all remanded in custody and are due to appear at Winchester Crown Court on 7 February,

The media-gagging order was lifted following legal represenations made by the Daily Echo.

In court over Moordown death

31.01.11

Several men have appeared in court in connection with the Moordown murder enquiry.

Unusually, at the request of Dorset Police, the court has imposed a media blackout on the case for the time being. Under the Contempt of Court Act this effectively prevents the reporting of names and details of those in court and the nature of the charges against them. Even the name of the deceased is covered by the order.

This type of order is normally made if it is thought that publication might prejudice the administration of justice.

Murder enquiry extends to Charminster

29.01.11

Detectives now believe the fatal Moordown stabbing may be linked to an earlier incident in Charminster.

It has been revealed that police were called to a distburbance near Bar Zuka in Charminster Road at about 1.30AM on the morning of Thursday 27 January. This was about an hour before the dead man's body was found in Wimborne Road.

Detective Inspector Craig Travers said: "No complaints were made to the police officers, who remained in the area while members of the public calmly dispersed – however, it’s possible that this incident may be linked with the man’s death.

"I am appealing for anyone who witnessed either the altercation at Bar Zuka or the later incident along Wimborne Road, which is believed to have occurred between 2am and 2.30am, to get in touch urgently."

Murder investigation after Wimborne Road violence

27.01.11

Police have begun a murder enquiry after a violent incident involving several people in Wimborne Road, Moordown.

It is believed to have happened in the early hours of Thursday morning at an address near the junction with Hillcrest Road. One man died of chest injuries, understood to be the result of stabbing. Two others are being treated for head injuries.

Five men, all from Bournemouth, and aged 20, 24, 26, 28 and 33, have been arrested on suspicion of murder. A number of these men have sustained injuries.

Cordons are in place around the address along Wimborne Road and also at nearby Malvern Road.

Detectives are appealing for anyone who witnessed this incident, which is believed to have occurred between 2am and 2.30am, to contact police urgently.

Safer Neighbourhood Teams are carrying out high visibility patrols in the Moordown area to provide reassurance to local residents.

Helicopter search over Winton

26.01.11

A helicopter was deployed and schoolchildren were told to stay inside their school as police scoured streets and gardens across part of Winton.

The operation was launched after an alleged domestic incident involving an assault around midday on Tuesday 25 January. Roads affected included Luther, Ridley, Hawthorn and Cranmer. Teachers at St Luke's School were asked to keep the children inside during playtime as the search continued in nearby roads.

Police are continuing investigations. No arrest has been made but police say that despite the scale of the search operation there is no cause for residents to be concerned.

Burglary warning

17.01.11

Police report that in the past few days there has been an increase in dwelling burglaries in the Winton and Charminster area.

They are reminding residents to ensure all doors and windows are securely locked including any outbuildings.

Should you see any suspicious activity in the area please do not hesitate to contact Dorset Police on 999 in an emergency or for non-emergency police matters on 01202 22 22 22.

Burglars target students

13.1.11

Student homes have been the main target of a spate of burglaries in the Charminster area. More than twenty have been broken into since the beginning of December.

Intruders have got away with a haul including laptops, games consoles, jewellery and cash.

Police are now carrying out special patrols and advising residents to keep doors and communal entrances locked at all times and not to let unknown people into the building.

Bogus workman theft alert

10.01.11

Police are warning local people to be on the alert for a thief who may try to get into their homes by posing as a workman.

The alert follows an incident at about a quarter past nine in the evening of Friday 7 January, when a man knocked on the door of a house in Shelbourne Road, Charminster. He told the elderly lady who answered the door that he was delivering a washing machine to be flat above and needed to check for leaks. After turning the taps on and off he left.

A short time later the lady reaslised that money had been stolen from her handbag. Police believe he may have distracted the lady while an accomplice got in and carried out the actual theft.

The man is described as white, about 30 years of age, about 5 feet 5 inches tall, and clean shaven with yellow teeth. He was wearing a dark coloured woollen hat.

Search for a Scout

8.1.11

The 37th Bournemouth Scouts are celebrating 50 years and trying to track down any former leaders to find out some history of the Group.
 
In particular they are trying to locate John Barker who used to be the Group Scout Leader.He used to live in Brackendale Road and later moved to Branksome Wood Road.

They also want to hear from anyone who was associated with the 53rd Bournemouth ( St. Walburgas Own ) Scout Group which is believed to have been based at St. Walburgas school when it was in Yelverton Road. It appears that the 53rd closed when the school moved to its present location in Malvern Road and that the 37th was formed a few years later.

Any information please to Alan King at a.r.king@ntlworld.com.

Winton wins Tidiness Award

2.01.11

Winton has won a top award for the tidiness of its streets.

It beat more than a hundred towns. The judges commended the pride and passion of the local community and the effort put in to presenting Winton in the best possible light.

The award was presented by the Keep Australia Beautiful organisation. The winning Winton is in Queenland. You can read about it here.

Older stories can be found here or in the News Archive

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