Man suffers broken arm while challenging thieves in Verwood
The victim was trying to stop men from towing his van off a driveway
A man's suffered a broken arm, and a cut to his cheek, while challenging a group of men who were trying to steal his van in Verwood.
The victim found offenders in a black SUV trying to tow his van off a driveway in Coniston Close at around 11.50pm on Saturday (4th March).
He was struck in the face by an item thought to have been fired from a catapult, causing a laceration to his cheek.
A metal bar or tool was also used to strike him, and the victim needed hospital treatment for a broken arm.
The van wasn't taken, and the offenders left the scene in the SUV in the direction of Manor Lane.
The group of men - four or five in number - were all wearing dark clothing, gloves and had their faces covered.
Detective Inspector Dave Horn, of Dorset County CID, said:
“This must have been a very distressing incident for the victim, and we are carrying out a full investigation to identify those involved.
“I would urge anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area on the night of Saturday 4 March 2023, particularly concerning a black SUV type vehicle, to please contact us.
“I would also urge members of the public in the vicinity to check any home CCTV, doorbell camera or dashcam footage for anything that might assist our enquiries.”
If you can help with any information, you're asked to call Dorset Police on 101, quoting reference number 55230034587.
You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.