SECURITY measures have been ramped up at a Bournemouth car park after a spate of vehicle break-ins.

Officers at Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council have been forced to take action following an “unusual amount” of incidents at Avenue Road car park.

The Daily Echo understands some motorists suffered smashed windows to their cars after leaving them in the local authority-owned site.

The car park, which is situated near The Triangle, is used by many people who work in the town centre.

Council officers have invested in new CCTV equipment for the site, which has led to information being sent on to police.

Gary Powell, BCP Council’s head of highways and transportation, said: “We have unfortunately experienced an unusual amount of break-ins to vehicles situated in Avenue Road car park over recent weeks. The car park is manned from 7am till 9pm and has regular security patrols during the night time.

“The council recently invested in new CCTV equipment for the car park and this is actively monitored by the team based at the car park during the hours it is manned. During the night, CCTV is monitored by the team based at Madeira Road police station.

“Following a review of recent incidents, using the CCTV footage captured, the team were able to identify a number of individuals and this information has been passed on to the police. We are not able to comment further, as this is subject to an ongoing investigation.”

Inspector Jon Wasey, of Bournemouth police, said they are working with partners in response to an increase in vehicle crime across the town.

“We actively monitor crime trends and patterns and have seen an increase in theft from unattended vehicles in the past few weeks, including in the Avenue Road car park,” said Inspector Wasey.

“Officers have produced and published two videos on our local Facebook accounts to educate motorists about how to avoid becoming a victim of vehicle crime. We have also used a varying number of other overt and covert tactics.

“We encourage members of the public to visit our local neighbourhood social media page to keep up to date with neighbourhood policing activity.

“Bournemouth is a safe place to reside and visit and the action is being taken to ensure that the members of the public continue to enjoy the area.”

For crime prevention advice from Dorset Police visit

dorset.police.uk/help-advice-crime-prevention/home-property-belongings/vehicle-crime-removeitlockit

Avenue Road multi-storey is one of the few car parks in the town centre not earmarked for redevelopment.

Bournemouth Development Company (BDC) – a partnership between Bournemouth council and Morgan Sindall Investments – previously stated they do not need to replace spaces lost at the Durley Road car park due to surplus spaces at Avenue Road and West Hill.

The scheme to build at Durley Road is currently at appeal after being refused planning permission by the council.