Waterloo Estate crime latest as public meeting called in Poole

Last week, the Daily Echo reported on the incidents of anti-social behaviour causing anger on the Waterloo Estate in Poole.

A multi-agency meeting was held on Friday to decide what to do to tackle the group of teenagers who are causing trouble in the local community.

A group of around 20 to 30 youths, aged 11 to 17, have been “wreaking havoc”, residents claim.

The youths have been reportedly throwing eggs at houses, smashing residents’ windows and even stealing motorbikes – the latter incident resulting in a man being put in hospital. 

In response to residents' concerns, Councillor Judes Butt, called a multi-agency meeting on Friday afternoon. 

Read more: Youths are 'wreaking havoc' on Waterloo Estate in Poole

Members from Dorset Police, BCP Housing, youth services and social services attended the virtual meeting, chaired by Cllr Butt. 

She said: “I raised all the concerns and the incidents that have been shared with me. 

“All the ‘reported incidents’ with crime numbers that are pending investigation by the police are being dealt with and the police were aware of those. 

"Several people are on their radar.” 

One man's motorbike had its front torn off by youths

Cllr Butt will now chair a meeting for residents in the community who are being affected by the crime in the estate. She hopes it will take place in the evening during the week of July 5 or possibly after.

She added the agenda will be publicised on social media and put up on the Hillbourne and Creekmoor Community Centre notice boards.

“As most of the issues are in Hillbourne, l hope Creekmoor residents will be content to join us in the Hillbourne Community Centre,” she said.

“I hope this will be a productive and informative meeting where everyone can ask their questions and we can work together to get things sorted.

“The police and PHP Housing agreed in the meantime to step up patrols in the area to get a better understanding of the current issues in the community.” 

Cllr Butt urged people to report any incidents of anti-social behaviour and criminality to the police.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: "Officers from the local neighbourhood policing team are aware of reported incidents of ASB in the area.

"We are committed to working with our partners to tackle (ASB) as we recognise the impact his has on people’s lives.

"As part of our ongoing committed to tackling ASB, we will again be using Operation Relentless to send the message that ASB will not be tolerated in the county. This will see officers carrying out localised operations to deal with specific issues.

"We continue to urge members of the public to report incidents of ASB so we can take appropriate action and build an intelligence picture about areas where repeated issues are occurring.

"Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101."