Charminster residents take on burglars with new Neighbourhood Watch group

A RESIDENTS’ group has been set up following a spate of burglaries in the Charminster area of Bournemouth.

The Shelbourne Road Neighbourhood Watch Group was formed by Fiona Armstrong-Ward to help combat rising crime on the street.

Fiona decided to create the group after a high number of burglaries on the road in recent months. According to police statistics, six burglaries took place in May and June alone. Members are now trying to raise funds to pay for at least 10 signs along the street to raise awareness.

She said: "The scheme is proving to be a great success with a real community spirit and everyone looking out for one another."

Fiona is also hoping to tackle other problems such as anti-social behaviour and cold calling. She told the Daily Echo: "Anti-social behaviour is a problem because of the high population of student houses. I am trying to establish a no cold calling zone in the street.

"There are a lot of elderly residents and families with children who get woken up by salesmen knocking on their doors between 9 pm and 10pm."

The group is looking for local companies to sponsor the signs, which cost £60 each. Residents recently rallied together to raise £160 from their homemade cake stall at Charminster family fun day.

The group currently has 30 members but Fiona is confident that will increase to around 75 or even 100 residents. It is hoping to raise further funds from other initiatives such as a cake sale at the Muscliff fair and an unwanted clothes collection.

For more information email shelbourneroadneighbourhoodwatch@hotmail.co.uk.

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