Police patrols stepped up after string of arsons in Poole

A series of incidents have been reported in Princess Road since February

Author: Faye TryhornPublished 29th Oct 2024

Police in Poole are stepping up their patrols in the Princess Road area, following a series of arson incidents over the last eight months.

The latest was a vehicle fire, reported at around 3.40am on the Sunday before last (20th October).

The blaze is believed to have been started deliberately.

Less than two hours later, at around 5.20am, a fire involving a bin was also reported nearby, at the entrance to the Princess Road park.

Suspicious vehicle fire also took place on September 10th, September 29th and October 3rd.

Bins were set on fire in Feburary, March and August this year, with a mattress fire in July too.

Sergeant Euan Douglas, of the Poole Neighbourhood Policing Team, said:

“Officers are continuing to investigate the incidents that occurred during the early hours of Sunday 20 October 2024, and we would appeal to anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the vicinity to please make contact with us.

“I would also ask that residents with home CCTV systems or doorbell cameras, as well as any motorists with dashcam who were in the area, please check their footage for anything that might assist our enquiries.

“We are keen to hear from anyone with information relating to all of these incidents.

“We are working with our partners in the local authority and fire service and we will continue to conduct additional patrols in the area to provide reassurance to the local community.

“Our officers can be approached by members of the public with any information or concerns.”

If you can help with information about any of the incidents, you're asked to call Dorset Police on 101, quoting reference number 55240161670.

You can also speak to Crimestoppers anonymously if you'd prefer, by calling 0800 555 111.

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