News

21 July 2020
Criminal Damage

damaged trees

It is with great sadness that another 2 vergeside trees have been subjected to unnecessary damage, at the junction of Mags Barrow with New Road. It is particularly upsetting that one of the trees was donated by a resident who asked for it to be planted in memory of a family member who passed away.

The Parish Council bought a second tree to place on the opposite verge to compliment the memorial tree. Both trees have been snapped off at some point through Saturday 18th into Sunday 19th.

If anyone saw anything suspicious, please contact Dorset Police.

4 July 2020
Come Back Safely To Respect Protect and Enjoy Our Communities

Dorset Police is preparing for a surge of visitors this weekend as lockdown restrictions ease and the hospitality industry reopens. But the message to those living in and coming to our region is clear – come back safely, respect, protect and enjoy our communities. Throughout the last week there have been reports of a surge in bookings across hotels, bed and breakfasts and campsites and this coincides with the re-opening of the day and night time economy on Saturday 4 July 2020.

Dorset Police has been anticipating the demand and planning extensively with partners throughout the lockdown period for the re-opening of our region. Chief Constable James Vaughan said: “We know our tourism industry has been seriously affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and there is a need to welcome responsible tourists back.

“However, this needs to be done safely while appreciating the fears our resident communities may have with many thousands of people coming back to our region – with the health concerns this may bring. “We must follow Government advice and guidance as to what is safe, but we would ask all people – whether you are a visitor or a resident – to be respectful and begin to enjoy parts of life none of us have experienced since the end of March.”

Last week saw an estimated 500,000 people come into the Bournemouth and Poole area during one day, with 150,000 descending on Bournemouth seafront – leaving 40 tonnes of rubbish. Chief Constable Vaughan added: “The scenes of last week were extraordinary and of significant concern to myself as a Chief Constable and a resident.

“Everyone, whether you are a visitor or a resident, has a duty to act responsibly and not to become involved in drink related anti-social behaviour or leave your rubbish to litter our beautiful region. “Just because we are coming out of lockdown it is not an excuse to drink irresponsibly, fight or act in a way likely to bring harm to yourself and others. It will not be tolerated and police will take proactive action to deal with this kind of unacceptable behaviour. “We have a strong collaboration with our partners and will do everything possible to keep those in the county safe – but that needs common sense and respect from all.”

Demand on police and other emergency services is expected to see a considerable increase from this weekend and for the rest of the summer season – likely to stretch well into September. Calls to 999 and 101 increase by 10 and 14 per cent respectively during the summer season and officers and staff will be prioritising this increased demand according to threat, risk, harm and vulnerability – some less urgent matters may take longer to attend. There will be more officers on patrol across the region with greater visibility and reassurance to communities throughout the summer period – particularly in areas such as Weymouth and Bournemouth that seeing some of the largest swells in population. Chief Constable Vaughan added: “Our licensed industry will re-open on Saturday, but it will be a very different experience for those going to a pub or restaurant.

“You are very likely to have to book your visit and may be restricted to the amount of time you can spend in an establishment. We want people to enjoy that experience, but be patient and prepared to have to plan – a walk-up visit to a pub may not be possible for some weeks. “If you are going to a beach or beauty spot, think about how you are parking your vehicle and the legacy you may leave. We have seen many tonnes of rubbish left on our coastline and country parks during the last week, which is inexcusable – respect our wonderful region and take your rubbish away.” Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill said: “Everyone knows that irresponsible drinking leads to public disorder, fighting and other forms of anti-social behaviour. “There is never any excuse for this, and the fact that the Government has chosen to lift restrictions by re-opening pubs and bars does not change that.

“The police are working closely with partners in preparation for Saturday and have resources in place, but it is vital members of the public act responsibly. “Remember we are still in the middle of a global health emergency, so please don’t do anything that would put additional pressure on our Force or on the local health service.” Chief Constable Vaughan said: “We are going to be challenged by the numbers of vehicles on our road network this weekend and during the coming weeks, but again I would ask people to drive safely and not become a fatal or seriously injured statistic on our roads. “If you are coming to Dorset, we welcome you as a responsible citizen, but please be aware COVID-19 has not gone away. “Social distancing still needs to be observed and everyone must play their part to prevent the virus spreading and not bring further misery upon our communities. “Play your part and behave in a way that respects our communities, supports the local economy, but ultimately keep yourself and others safe.”

25 June 2020
Good news for cyclists

new Parley First School bike rack

Over the years we have received a series of requests for a bike rack at the Glenmoor Road shopping parade. This has not been possible as the land is privately owned and it not within Dorset Council remit. On discussing matters with Mr Bagwell, the head of Parley First School, it was agreed one could be placed near the entrance to the school.

Even more excitingly, that the school had an under used bike rack that they could place next to the village sign and community noticeboard immediately ... and it's Parley blue!

So for those cyclists using the shopping parade or dropping children to school, you can now secure your bikes. It should also help to keep the pavements clear from bikes being laid down in front of the shops, which can be a hazard to others.

17 June 2020
Appeal For Information After Woman Bitten By Dog In Ferndown

Officers are appealing for information to help identify the owner of a dog that bit a woman in Ferndown. The victim, aged in her 40s, was jogging on Poor Common at around 10.45am on Sunday 7 June 2020 and was near to the Heathlands Avenue entrance when she saw a woman with approximately eight dogs.

The dogs were all small ones apart from a black lurcher or greyhound type dog. The woman also possibly had a dog in a buggy. As the victim approached she went to the opposite edge of the path in an attempt to comply with social distancing guidance and one of the dogs that was on a lead, described as a brown terrier type, bit her to the back of the leg, causing an injury. The woman with the dogs is described as white, aged in her 60s, around five feet six inches tall and of slim build with greying blonde hair.

Police Constable Jennie Sykes-Martin, of Dorset Police, said: “We are carrying out enquiries into this matter and I would urge anyone who was in the area and witnessed it to please contact us. “I would also urge the owner of the dog involved to do the right thing and come forward so we can take your account.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email SCIT@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55200068912. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call freephone 0800 555 111.

2 June 2020
Witness Appeal Following Reported Aggravated Burglary In Ferndown

Detectives investigating an alleged aggravated burglary in Ferndown are appealing for witnesses to come forward. It is reported that at around 9.55pm on Thursday 28 May 2020 three men entered an address on Ford Lane and took a quantity of cash before driving away in a white BMW.

During the incident it is alleged that a male occupant was stabbed and he sustained injuries to his head and eye. He was taken to hospital for treatment. A woman also sustained injuries to her arm that did not require hospital treatment.

Following a search of the area armed officers, assisted by the NPAS helicopter, stopped a vehicle on the A31 eastbound at St Leonards. The road was closed to allow officers to carry out their enquiries and reopened just after midnight on Friday 29 May 2020. A 20-year-old man and two teenage boys, aged 15 and 17, have been arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary and are currently assisting detectives with their enquiries.

Detective Inspector Gavin House, of Bournemouth CID, said: “I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the reported aggravated burglary or saw any suspicious activity in Ford Lane to please get in touch. “I would urge local residents or any motorists who were in the Ford Lane area at the relevant time to check their home CCTV systems or dashcam for any footage that may assist my investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email SCIT@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55200068912. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call freephone 0800 555 111.

22 May 2020
Witness Appeal Following Reported Fail-To-Stop Injury Collision At Hurn

Officers are appealing for witnesses and anyone with dashcam footage to come forward following a reported fail-to-stop collision at Hurn near Christchurch. At around 5.26pm on Friday 15 May 2020 a BMW car travelling along Parley Lane reportedly failed to stop for police.

The officers lost sight of the vehicle and a short time later it was in collision with a red Volkswagen Fox on the roundabout at the junction of the Avon Causeway. The driver of the Volkswagen – a 22-year-old local woman – sustained a serious head injury and was taken to Poole Hospital for treatment. She has now left hospital. On the evening of Friday 15 May 2020 three men from Bournemouth – two aged 24 and one aged 22 – were arrested on suspicion of driving offences. They have all been released under investigation.

Following further enquiries, a 23-year-old Christchurch man was arrested on suspicion of driving offences on Monday 18 May 2020. He has also been released under investigation. The circumstances of this incident require a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to the police involvement. Officers are continuing to appeal for any witnesses to the collision or anyone with relevant dashcam footage to contact police.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email SCIT@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55200068912. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call freephone 0800 555 111.