Bournemouth residents threatened with gun

Police have increased their presence in the West Howe and Kinson areas of Bournemouth following two aggravated burglaries where the victims were threatened with a hand gun. Detective are trying to establish if the firearms were replicas or real and are keeping an open mind as to whether the crimes are linked.

The first incident was reported at 10.16pm on Sunday, 6 December and occured at a house in the area of Paddington Grove, West Howe. A 27-year old man and a 26-year old woman were threatened by two men – one with a gun – who stole mobile phones, cash and jewellery. The two victims were not injured.

The second aggravated burglary took place at a house in Moore Avenue, Kinson.  It was reported at 5.43pm on Saturday 12 December.  A 38-year old man and a 41-year old woman were threatened by three men, one armed with a hand gun, who demanded money.

No money was handed over and the three men escaped empty handed. Again, the two victims were not injured.

Detectives are also investigating the discovery of a burning car – a green Ford Mondeo – at the end of Duck Lane, Kinson, Bournemouth, by a man on 12 December who reported it to Dorset Police at 5.51pm.

Officers are keen to hear from anyone who saw the vehicle before it was found on fire. Detectives are keeping an open mind as to whether the burning car is linked to the aggravated burglaries.

Detective Sergeant Wayne Seymour, of Bournemouth & Poole CID, said: “I’m appealing for anyone with information – no matter how unimportant or irrelevant it may be – to contact Dorset Police in confidence or the Crimestopers line anonymously as soon as possible.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 01202 or 01305 22 22 22 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.