WINDOWS smashed, motorbikes stolen and police cars kicked – residents of a Poole estate say a “group of 20-30 kids” are wreaking havoc on Waterloo Estate in Poole.
Parts of the community are being left increasingly frustrated, angered and traumatised by the antisocial behaviour which plagues the area nearly every evening, they claim.
The situation has become so serious, a multi-agency meeting has been called by the ward councillor, to be held this evening (Friday, June 17).
On Saturday, June 11 one man had his motorbike stolen in French Road by five boys aged between 15 and 17.
He chased after them but sustained cuts to his face after they attacked him.
The man, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: “I got woken up in the night and saw my motorbike had been taken.
“I went out looking for it, walked around the corner and they messed me up.
“I don’t remember any of it. I was unconscious for a few minutes.”
The man was put into hospital and came out the following afternoon on Sunday.
His motorbike, which he recovered, sustained damage to the front.
A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: “We were called at 11.29pm on Saturday 11 June 2022 to several reports of anti-social behaviour involving a group of around 10 young people in the area of French Road in Poole.
“In one of the reports, it was alleged that a motorcycle had been stolen and one man had sustained injuries to his face and was taken to hospital for treatment.
“Two boys aged 15 and 16 were arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm and theft of a motor vehicle.
“Two boys aged 16 and 17 were arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent and theft of a motor vehicle. They have been released on police bail while enquiries continue.”
In another case, one woman had her window smashed and house egged after being threatened by the youths with a catapult.
She said she is “scared and worried at night” as she doesn’t know what they will do next.
Cllr Judes Butt has called a meeting to tackle the issue. She told the Echo: “I have called for a multi-agency meeting and continue to do this to get them to listen.
“There are so many complaints it is beyond a joke. A few youths are creating hell.
“l am not letting this go.”
The spokesperson for Dorset Police added they are “committed to working with our partners to tackle anti-social behaviour”.
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