Lone man involved in car break-in spree in Creekmoor

The unknown man appeared to spend several hours trying his luck by pulling on door handles on cars in several streets in Creekmoor during the early hours of Wednesday, October 9. 

Roads where people are reporting the suspicious activity include Tarn Drive, Priors Road, Clover Drive, Redshank Close, Honeysuckle Lane, Bullfinch Close and Sandpiper Close.

One resident of Tarn Drive said he was making a tea at around 7am when he saw a man outside, dressed in a hoodie, pulling on his neighbours’ car door handles.

He added: “The neighbours have two cars and he tried to get in. He went across the road and tried a van before leaving the road towards Priors Road. 

“There seems to be several break-ins around the area, including Priors Road and Honeysuckle Lane. 

“It’s a nice area but in the past we’ve had people do the same thing, but that was a few years ago. 

Alex Fewings, of Bullfinch Close, said the incidents “appear to be scattered in the area between midnight and 6am,” adding: “I’ve lived here for more than 10 years and you do hear of the odd stuff happening, but this is quite brazen. 

“I can’t remember the last time police patrolled the area and there doesn’t seem to be any repercussions. Perhaps that is why they do it.” 

Rich Meaden, of Sandpiper Close, said he had around £100 worth of change taken from his car. He said: “I think I always lock my car at night, but silly me if I didn’t. It is very annoying though.” 

Tarn Drive in Creekmoor (Image: Daily Echo)

Another resident of Tarn Drive said: “It makes me worry and I hate it. 

“We’ve never had any issues until now, but we are now taking extra care to lock our car doors; it makes you feel awful.” 

Another dog walker in Tarn Drive added: “There isn’t enough of a police presence in the area.

“There is an estate down the road and I think people are coming from there and causing trouble.

“It is very worrying as there is a small element of problems, but there’s always somebody out there looking to make something out of crime.” 

Clover Drive in Creekmoor (Image: Daily Echo)

Creekmoor ward councillor Judes Butt said the neighbourhood policing team are “extremely hard working”, but added: “Whatever is done is very difficult in its approach. There will always be crime, even if you put more CCTV up or other deterrents. 

“But there will always be people who commit crime. There can’t be a police officer stood at the end of every street. 

“The community is brilliant, but this will be somebody who is opportune and I am sure he will be dealt with quickly.”

A Dorset Police spokeswoman said the force takes vehicle crime “seriously”, adding and that they have had two reports in the area over two nights.

Priors Road (Image: Daily Echo)

She added: “We understand that all vehicle crime is extremely frustrating for a motorist and we would encourage everyone to report all incidents to us. 

“Should the force become aware of a spate of vehicle crime in a particular part of the county, officers from the local neighbourhood policing team will be assigned to the area to carry out reassurance visits.  

“They will also be looking for any opportunity to identify individuals involved through finding footage from home CCTV cameras and asking for witnesses.  

“Officers will proactively target known offenders who commit this type of crime, using various means including intelligence, to prosecute where possible. 

“If you have been the victim of vehicle crime, or have witnessed any suspicious activity, please contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101. If a crime is in progress or life in danger, always dial 999.”