RESIDENTS using an alleyway off Poole High Street as a toilet have been warned they could be hit with a £25 bill

Officers from the neighbourhood policing team (NPT), as well as community safety accredited officers, are stepping up patrols in Bowling Green Alley following repeated issues.

A Poole Police spokesperson said: "Bowling Green Alley leads to peoples homes and businesses. It is not a toilet.

"Toilets are located at the western end of the quay by the lifting bridge and also within the Dolphin Centre. There are a number of eateries and public houses along the High Street."

The spokesperson added: "If police catch you doing this anywhere in Poole Town centre, we will be utilising the community resolution scheme (CR) and requesting £25 towards the cost of cleaning for the business affected.

"If you observe this behaviour and are able to obtain a photograph of the individual for ID purposes (without placing yourself at risk) please forward this information to police so your local NPT can make efforts to progress slow time enquiries to prevent future incidents."