Anti-social behaviour in Canford Heath sees elderly people assaulted and youths banned from shops

As reported recently in the Daily Echo, police have been stepping up their patrols to tackle the problem, especially in Adastral Square and Culliford Crescent.

Gangs of youths have been terrorising the neighbourhood over the last few months, with residents reporting incidents of intimidation, vandalism, theft and even assault.

Michael Tomlinson, MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, has called a public meeting to give residents the chance to discuss their concerns with local police and councillors.

The drop-in event will be held from 2-3pm on Monday, September 3, at a local venue to be confirmed.

A volunteer at the Canford Heath Community Centre, who did not wish to be named, said a number of people were approaching “the end of their tether” following the problems with anti-social behaviour.

“There has been a recent spike in issues in Canford Heath,” she said. “Two elderly people were assaulted in Adastral Square, and there were two incidents involving knives in Verity Park and Mitchell Road.

“A gang of youths have been drinking and causing trouble at the community centre. It started around three or four months ago. Now they’ve been banned from all the shops in Adastral Square.”

She added: “I’m hopeful more action will be taken before a fair few adults are reduced to the end of their tether.” It’s not going to be long before people take matters into their own hands.”

Mr Tomlinson said the upcoming meeting was intended to provide reassurance for residents. “There is real concern among the community about the behaviour of these gangs of youths. I called this drop-in meeting as an opportunity for residents, the Neighbourhood Watch, and residents’ associations to meet with police, the community officer from Poole, and local councillors,” he said.

“The police are doing an incredibly difficult job. I want to help them communicate with the community. Residents can speak in person to the police and representatives from the council and receive reassurance that there is awareness of these issues.” He added it was important for residents to report any anti-social behaviour incidents to the police.

Poole Neighbourhood Policing Team announced recently that they were increasing patrols in the area and were taking a number of measures to tackle the problem.

On their Facebook page they said they were “making some headway” through the use of warning letters, Acceptable Behaviour Contracts, dispersal notices, community protection warnings, and closure orders. Some people have received out of court disposals (e.g. cautions) or been summoned to court.