Officers are appealing for witnesses after a man was assaulted outside a Bournemouth store.

At around 4.55am on Sunday 17 March 2019 it was reported that an assault had taken place outside The Golden Supermarket in Charminster Road. It is said an altercation had occurred between the victim – a local man aged in his 40s – and a group of men.

The victim was punched and kicked in the head. He was taken to hospital for treatment to injuries to his face and fractured ribs and was discharged the same day.

Police Constable Dominic Frost, of Bournemouth police, said: “This was a nasty assault and enquiries are underway to establish the full circumstances, including CCTV checks.

“I would ask anyone who was in the Charminster Road area at the time and either witnessed the assault or saw anything suspicious to please contact Dorset Police.”

Officers investigating a reported voyeurism incident at a Bournemouth shop are issuing a CCTV image of the suspect.

At around midday on Monday 28 January 2019 a woman entered the female changing room at River Island on Commercial Road to try on a pair of jeans. On the entry to the changing rooms she noticed a man stood outside.

While inside, the victim suddenly noticed a hand holding a mobile phone under the partition of the changing room. As she looked down, the hand quickly moved away.

The victim quickly got changed and left the store. She went home and contacted the store and then reported the incident to Dorset Police.

Police Constable Holly Palmer, of Bournemouth police, said: “Following enquiries we have viewed the CCTV from the store and have identified a suspect. We have made numerous efforts to identify this man but these have not been successful.

“I appreciate the CCTV images are not overly clear, however this is the best we have and I would ask anyone who recognises this man or the clothing worn to please contact Dorset Police.”

A man has been jailed for 32 months for drug dealing offences in Bournemouth.

Constantin Ozansoy, 24 and of Chingford Road in London, was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on Monday 4 March 2019 after admitting two charges of possessing class A drugs with intent to supply at an earlier hearing at the same court.

On the morning of Wednesday 3 October 2018 an officer on mobile patrol in an unmarked police vehicle saw a man she suspected to be a drug user loitering under the flyover near to the tennis courts in Bournemouth Central Gardens.

The officer saw the defendant drive a black Ford Focus into a car park in Branksome Wood Road, opposite where the man was waiting. The man then went over and got into Ozansoy’s car before leaving around 30 seconds later. Ozansoy drove off in the direction of Bournemouth town centre.

The following day the same officer was on patrol with a colleague in Branksome Wood Road when they saw a group of people waiting in the same area, including the man from the previous day.

The defendant arrived in the same vehicle and the man and a woman who were waiting both approached the car.

The officers pulled in nearby and approached the vehicle. The defendant was seen in the driver’s seat with his hand down his trousers and a quantity of cash between his legs.

He was arrested and on being searched was found to be in possession of a blue polythene bag containing what were suspected to be class A drugs.

The package was found to contain 28 wraps of heroin and 26 of crack cocaine, with an estimated street value of £540.

Police Constable Jo Morgan, from the Bournemouth South Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We are committed to tackling the supply of drugs in our community as we recognise the detrimental impact this has on all living in the area.

“This case is a demonstration of the proactive efforts our officers are making on a regular basis to tackle drug dealing and those involving in the supply chain.

“We will also continue to work with our partners and members of the community and are grateful for any intelligence and information received from members of the public that can help us target our resources in the most effective way.

A 49 year male old cyclist has been injured and taken to hospital after colliding with a fire engine in Bournemouth this afternoon.

Officers are appealing for witnesses.

The fire engine had been returning to the station following a call out at the time and was not on blue lights.

Police Sergeant Phil Lee, of the traffic unit, said: “I am appealing to anyone who saw what happened or may have relevant dashcam footage to please contact me.”

Officers investigating an incident whereby two men impersonated police officers in Bournemouth are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

At around 7.15pm on Saturday 16 February 2019, a woman aged in her 20s was travelling westbound along the dual carriageway on Ringwood Road toward the Clock Garage roundabout.

A dark-coloured BMW approached her Nissan Almera from behind before flashing its headlights and indicating for the vehicle to stop.

Two men got out of the vehicle wearing high visibility jackets and claimed to her that they were police officers.

They told her that her car had flagged up on their system and asked to see her driving licence. She did not have it to hand and they told her she could be fined and that they could process this at the roadside. She told the men that she did not have any money on her so they told her to bring her logbook to the police station and the pair left.

The first man is described as white, with dark hair and stubble. He was aged in his 30s, five feet seven inches tall and of medium build. He had a diagonal mark on the right hand side of his neck and was wearing dark trousers and a black baseball cap.

The second man is described as white, with short ginger hair and aged in his late 20s. He was of skinny build and wearing dark jeans.

There have not been any further similar reports to date.

Police Inspector Joe Pardey, of the traffic unit, said: “We are making enquiries into the incident and am appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident or has been approached in a similar way to please contact Dorset Police.

“If you were travelling in the area around the time of the incident, please review your dashcam footage and report anything relevant to us.

“We expect our officers to identify a safe place to stop a vehicle and will use blue lights to make the request, not just head lights.

“Don’t be afraid to ask for ID. If in doubt, acknowledge that you have seen the vehicle and drive to a location where you feel safe, for example a petrol station, shop forecourt or well-lit area.

“There are only rare occasions where the police take money at the roadside and this relates to those drivers who are either temporary visitors to the UK or those where we cannot readily identify their address. The officers would always have documentation to support this process.”

The body of a man has been found in Potterne Park, Verwood.

Police were called to an area of woodland between Potterne Park and Hazelwood Drive in the town on Tuesday morning just after 7am to reports of the sudden death of a man.

Officers attended and very sadly the body of a man was found.

Police say the death is not being treated as suspicious, and the coroner has been informed.

Enquiries are underway to inform the man’s family.

Bournemouth only managed one goal against Brighton in the FA Cup 3rd round on Saturday afternoon at Dean Court, losing 3-1.

Marc Pugh scored for Bournemouth 10 minutes into the second half, but it was Knockaert, Bissouma and Andone who scored three for Brighton by Full Time.

The new average speed cameras on the A338 are currently undergoing testing prior to becoming fully operational.

Managed by Dorset Police, the cameras will initially enforce the 40mph speed limit that’s in place for the duration of the works before returning to the 50mph permanent speed limit.

Dorset Council advises motorists, as you approach the traffic management on the southbound carriageway, to plan ahead and get into the correct lane as soon as possible. This will help to improve traffic flow and reduce delays during peak times.

Currently lane one southbound approaching Blackwater is a dedicated lane for those motorists wishing to exit off the slip road to the B3073. All motorists heading to Bournemouth should use lane two of the southbound carriageway.

Officers investigating an assault in Bournemouth are releasing a CCTV image of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the incident.

At around 11.15pm on Friday 1 February 2019 a verbal altercation occurred between two men off Westover Road. One of the men then headbutted the other.

The victim – a man aged in his 20s from the Oxfordshire area – sustained bruising and swelling to his forehead. He did not require medical treatment.

Police Community Support Investigator Chris Wilson, of Bournemouth police, said: “Following enquiries I am now in a position to issue a CCTV image of a man we would like to speak to in connection with the incident.

“I would ask anyone who can identify him to please contact Dorset Police.”

Manor Steps beach near Boscombe is preparing to welcome more overnight visitors with the installation of an extra nine fully equipped Beach Lodges, providing an alternative to traditional overnight accommodation.

The Beach Lodges, which sleep up to four adults and two children, offer the opportunity to wake up with the beach on your doorstep. There are currently 15 Lodges nestled in the cliffs half a mile east of Boscombe Pier, but with demand high, Bournemouth Council has invested in the additional nine Lodges which will be available to book from Easter. An additional lodge is being installed as a Lodges office.

Each bright, airy Lodge has its own hot shower; toilet; kitchenette with electric hob, fridge and microwave; private decking; and WiFi, providing all the comforts of home in a beautiful, tranquil location on our award-winning beaches, with spectacular, uninterrupted sea views.

Councillor John Beesley, Leader, Bournemouth Borough Council commented: “Investing in additional Beach Lodges is an opportunity for Bournemouth Council to generate revenue, whilst providing more of what has proved to be an immensely popular getaway destination. Residents and visitors to Bournemouth are enjoying this innovative offer on the seafront and waking up in this truly superb location.”

The Beach Lodges were installed in dramatic fashion by crane and will be ready for use at Easter. See more at bournemouthbeachlodges.co.uk

Officers are appealing for help from the pubic to find a missing Bournemouth woman.

Searches are being carried out to find Monica Streat, aged 59, who was last seen at an address in Gresham Road at around 9am today, Monday 11 February 2019.

Monica is described as around five feet four inches tall and of medium build with brown, shoulder-length hair that has highlights in. She may have been wearing a red cardigan.

It is believed she may be travelling in a grey Seat Arosa, with the registration number HF05 FXT.

Chief Inspector Lance Cliff, of Dorset Police, said: “We understand Monica has been upset recently and we are becoming concerned for her welfare.

“We are currently carrying out a number of searches in the Bournemouth area and are also making attempts to trace the vehicle she is believed to be driving.

“I would urge anyone with information as to her whereabouts, or who comes across the vehicle described, to contact us.

“I would also like to make a direct plea to Monica if you see this appeal to please contact us or your family as we all want to ensure you are safe and well.”

Detectives investigating a reported burglary in Bournemouth and alleged subsequent card fraud are issuing a CCTV image of a suspect.

Sometime between 3.30pm and 6.30pm on Tuesday 11 December 2018 it is reported a burglary occurred at a flat on Westby Road. A wallet containing bank cards and other personal items was stolen.

It was subsequently reported that a number of failed attempts were made to use one of the bank cards in local shops.

A 40-year-old man from Bournemouth was arrested on suspicion of burglary and has been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

Detective Constable Michelle Lawrence, of Bournemouth CID, said: “As part of my investigation I am now in a position to issue a CCTV image of a suspect for the alleged attempted fraudulent use of the bank card. I would ask anyone who knows who this man is to please contact Dorset Police.”

Dorset’s Police and Crime Panel has confirmed that current Chief Constable James Vaughan will continue the job in a permanent capacity.

James Vaughan, who was awarded a Queen’s Police Medal in the 2019 New Year’s Honours list, was appointed to the role at a Confirmation Hearing by the panel at County Hall in Dorchester on Thursday 7 February.

Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill, who interviewed Mr Vaughan for the role and proposed him to the panel, said: “I am delighted with the decision to appoint James Vaughan as the permanent Chief Constable of Dorset and I would like to congratulate him.

“He has shown excellent leadership skills over the last nine months and I am sure James will continue to perform an outstanding role leading the Force as we face the challenges that the next few years have in store.”

James Vaughan began his career in Wiltshire, in 1992, in various uniform and detective roles up to the rank of Chief Superintendent.

He joined Dorset Police as Assistant Chief Constable in 2012 and after being promoted to Deputy Chief Constable in 2013, led on strategic change, performance, professional standards, people and community focus, and media and communication.

He also led various regional programmes, including the forensic service collaboration and the strategic alliance with Devon and Cornwall Police.

In February 2017, Mr Vaughan was appointed Deputy Chief Constable (Chief Operating Officer) for the Dorset, Devon and Cornwall Strategic Alliance. In April 2018, he was appointed Temporary Chief Constable for Dorset.

Police and Crime Panel members have approved plans to raise the amount of money households pay to fund Dorset’s police service by £2 a month.

Martyn Underhill, Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Dorset, held a six week consultation into proposals to raise the precept – the part of a council tax bill which funds policing – by £24 a year following on from the advice of the Home Secretary to raise the precept to the maximum permitted.

Now, after just under 70% of those surveyed supported the idea, members of the Dorset Police and Crime Panel – which scrutinises the PCC – gave it their backing at Dorchester’s County Hall on Thursday February 7.

All 15 members of the 17-strong panel who were present during the meeting voted unanimously to approve the plans. Two members were not in attendance.

Martyn Underhill said: “I’m extremely grateful to all of those people who took the time to respond to my survey, and to panel members for supporting the proposals. I’m well aware that many households in the county are struggling financially, and the fact so many have said they would be prepared to pay this extra amount demonstrates how important an effective police service is to them.”

The results of the consultation were presented at the panel meeting. A total of 4,829 people responded – either online, via social media or face-to-face at a series of public events – with 69.31% saying they would be prepared to pay the additional amount. As well as consulting on the proposed precept increase, residents were also asked if they felt that Dorset Police needed more money. 85% agreed that it did.

The enhancement will amount to £7.8m in extra income for Dorset Police, going some way to offset cuts in central funding.

The panel also heard how a £1m Innovation Fund will be set up – funded by a combination of recurring efficiencies in the Force’s budget and from a surplus of previously uncollected council tax receipts – which will pay for initiatives such as extra officers in the rural and marine crime units, improving road safety and providing more help to homeless people.

Martyn Underhill said: “I’ve had a lot of conversations with Dorset residents over the last few weeks and something I’ve heard time and time again is ‘we shouldn’t be paying for this – the government should!’

“I couldn’t agree more – central government have adopted a policy of public sector funding being devolved to local taxpayers for several years now, something I inherently disagree with, as over time, it disadvantages poorer communities.

“This consultation was launched following real terms cuts of more than £25m over the last eight years, while Dorset Police’s budget has had to absorb growing inflation and an unfunded pay increase for officers.

“We’ve also seen a 10% increase in reported crime last year, a 9 % increase in the number of emergency calls, and we’re seeing a huge rise in the number of serious sexual offences.

“Our financial troubles are far from over and I will continue to press the government for a fairer settlement in the new funding formula. However, with prudent saving we will now be able to invest more resources in areas of key concern, such as tackling County Lines drug gangs.

“We’re also going to introduce a volunteer cadet service to help young people play a role in their communities and create a Bobby Van scheme to help vulnerable and older people across the county.”

Today’s meeting concludes the consultation process and the Commissioner’s decision to raise the policing precept stands. The change will come into effect from 1 April 2019.