Elderly woman targeted in Bournemouth attempted dog theft

The victim was walking her French Bulldog in King's Park

Author: Faye TryhornPublished 4th Jul 2024

Police in Bournemouth are investigating an attempted dog theft, targeting an elderly female owner.

The victim, in her 70s, was walking her French Bulldog in King's Park at around 2.00pm on Tuesday (2nd July) when a woman approached asking to pet the dog.

She knelt down beside the animal and tried to take it, leading to an altercation with the owner.

Two members of the public intervened and the woman suspect ran away in the direction of the Vitality Stadium.

She's described as:

  • Five feet four inches tall
  • Aged in her 50s
  • Long brown-blonde hair
  • Wearing a navy blue tracksuit
  • White trainers

PC Paul Humber, of Bournemouth police, said:

“This has been a very distressing experience for the victim and we are carrying out a number of enquiries to try and locate the suspect.

“I would like to hear from anyone who witnessed a woman matching the given description in the park at the time of the offence.

“I would also like to speak to the two members of the public who intervened and helped the victim, as they may have information that can assist with our investigation.”

If you can help with any information, you're asked to call Dorset Police on 101, quoting reference number 55240099867.

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.