Over the last 7 days a number of crimes were reported to us from around the area, these include:

• At approximately 3.30pm on Friday 31st August a fire was started in the disused rifle range in the area adjacent to Somerfield’s car park. Two juveniles were arrested for arson in relation to this. This occurred shortly after Dorset fire and rescue were called out to a fire where a haystack was started maliciously in an area to the rear of the Leisure centre.

• Overnight Friday 31st August another arson occurred, this time to a Mazda parked in the football ground car park Skilling Hill Road.

• Again overnight Friday 31st August criminal damage occurred at shed located at the Bridport and West Dorset Golf Club.

• Late Saturday 1st Sept arson occurred to a caravan located on a driveway in St Katherine’s Drive.

• In the early hours of Sunday 2nd of September another arson occurred this time to a car parked in St Michael’s Trading estate. In this incident the car originally targeted and burnt out caused damage to another car parked nearby.

• At approximately 9.30pm a litter bin was set on fire in the area of Rax Lane Bridport, later at approximately 10pm on Sunday 2nd September A bin and it’s contents were set on fire in the area of the skate park. 3 juveniles were arrested.

In Summary...

During the last 7 days it is clear to see that there have been some disturbing incidents of arson. Crimes of this type are indiscriminate and there is always the potential to cause serious damage to property, injury or loss of life. The Police, Crown Prosecution Service and the Courts treat crimes of this nature very seriously. To date there have been 5 arrests made and enquiries are continuing with the individuals currently on Police bail.

Inspector Steve Davenport -Bridport Section Commander said,

"This is a very worrying series of attacks that could easily have resulted in far greater damage being caused, and injury being inflicted upon someone.  This kind of incident goes way beyond acceptable behaviour and simply won’t be tolerated within this community.  We are determined to find the person or persons who are responsible for these incidents, and will do all we can to prosecute them.  I would ask for anyone who has any information that may assist us, or who feels they may have seen anything suspicious during these times to contact  us either at Bridport Police Station (01305 222222) or through Crimestoppers (0800 555111)"

Over the last week 19 arrests were made:

2 x assault actual bodily harm
1 x grievous bodily harm
1 x warrant for failing to appear in court
1 x harassment
5 x public disorder offences
5 x arson
1 x drink driving
1 x theft
1 x intimidation of a witness
1 x breach of bail conditions

If you have any information regarding the above offences or any other crimes, then please come forward and help us with our enquiries:  it may be your evidence, which successfully secures a conviction.  Instead of accepting that crime is part of the Bridport society, let’s give the courts the facts and allow them to decide.

Contact the police station direct, or speak to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 – all calls will be treated in confidence

PC 2232 Scott McGregor
Community Beat Officer