A NUMBER of cars and vans were vandalised in Canford Heath in the latest spell of anti-social behaviour to affect residents.

At least four vehicles were damaged in Mitchell Road alone, with reports of three being damaged in Gibson Road opposite.

An elderly woman’s fence was also reportedly damaged during the Friday night crime spree.

Some of the owners of the vandalised cars spoke out on a residents’ Facebook page, Spotted Canford Heath. A number were reporting that their car’s wing mirrors had been smashed or completely pulled off.

A Dorset Police spokesperson said: “We received a report at around 9.55pm on Friday 5 April of criminal damage to a number of vehicles in the Canford Heath area.

“We have had confirmed reports of at least four vehicles damaged in Mitchell Road and three in Gibson Road. We also received a report of damage to a fence panel.

“Officers have been carrying out a number of enquiries including house-to-house and CCTV enquiries. No arrests have been made at this stage and an investigation is ongoing.”

Canford Heath councillor Sandra Moore responded to residents’ concerns about ongoing anti-social behaviour on the Spotted Canford Heath page.

She said she had asked police to patrol areas where residents had reported issues but more community officers were needed.

“I am quite sure the youngsters have noticed the lack of police on the streets, hence the rise in ASB. The more we report incidents, the better the response we will get. The police will always do their best, there’s just not enough of them.

“Added to that are the cuts to youth services and children’s services. Poole still has a youth service and I will do everything possible to make sure we keep it in the new BCP council.”

Fellow Canford Heath councillor Sean Gabriel also commented. He said: “I have spent time with the police on patrol and know how hard they are working.

“They have good intelligence and when there is evidence actions are being taken. There was an increase in ASB from last summer but this is reducing and extra police resources have been made available.

“There is a core group on the Heath which the police, along with the appropriate services, are working to deal with,” he added.

The Daily Echo reported last month on a new scheme Poole police have implemented to tackle anti-social behaviour in the town.

More home visits are being made to the parents or carers of young offenders, and repeat visits to victims of anti-social behaviour are being made.

Police also encourage members of the community to report incidents so officers can take action.