Children as young as eight causing trouble in Morrisons and Iceland

On Sunday, October 16, Morrisons had to close its doors to protect people from being hit and kicked. 

Police have committed to increasing their presence in the area and ward councillors are calling on people to report the anti-social behaviour.

One man, who wished to remain anonymous, has witnessed the “local scrotes” causing issues, including a boy of about 10-years-old “mooning” him through the window. 

“The issue that we have out here is that the courts will not deal with these people,” he said. “The police take the view that there is no point in doing anything because they haven't got any mechanisms do deal with it.  

Adastral Square (Image: Daily Echo)

“If there is any way to go, it’s the courts. We have to deal with delinquency at three years old before it gets work. 

“Their parents neither know nor care. There’s a group of about five, the eldest is around 13 years old and is known to the police. The ringleader though must be about 10.  

“But this is a nice little community round here who really care about the area.” 

One shopworker said the kids often come in and “chuck stuff around”, adding: “They’ve been told numerous times not to do it and, in the end, they were banned. It’s getting out of hand now.  

Adastral Square (Image: Newsquest)

“It’s the younger ones, some are about eight or nine years old.” 

Another woman added: “They’re really cheeky, they bang on the window. You can’t take pictures of them because they say ‘you can’t do that, I know my rights.’ They’re mouthy gits.” 

Ward councillor Sandra Moore urged people to report these incidents to her and the police so records can be made. 

She added: “There are problems with some of them hanging out and drinking, which I have been reporting left, right and centre.” 

Cllr Sean Gabriel echoed these words, adding he has requested a camera to be installed in the area to deter ASB. 

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A Dorset Police spokesperson said: “At 1.10pm on Sunday 16 October 2022 we received a report of anti-social behaviour at the Iceland shop in Adastral Square, Canford Heath by a group of young people as they were disturbing staff and customers.  

“A similar report was received a few minutes later in relation to the Morrisons store. The group then left the area.  

“The local neighbourhood team has been made aware of the issue and is in contact with the shops involved to ensure their staff are supported. The team will also be conducting regular patrols in the area.” 

Cllr Bobbie Dove, portfolio holder for community safety, said: “We’ve been listening to the community in Adastral Square in Poole and they’ve reported that anti-social behaviour has been going up over the past few months.

"We know that properly monitored, high quality, modern CCTV helps vulnerable people, reassures communities and identifies potential offenders.

“Our ASB team have been working closely with Dorset Police, councillors and the local community and we have agreed for an application to go ahead for a CCTV camera to cover the area along with our Community Safety Officer (CSAS) patrols.

“The camera and CSAS patrols are all part of our investment into the Cleaner, Greener, Safer campaign and the camera will be installed once all residents and businesses in the area have been informed.”

A spokesperson for McColl’s (Morrisons) said the safety of its employees and customers is of “utmost importance”. 

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