Bournemouth robbery incidents spark appeal

Police are appealing for witnesses and information after a robbery and an attempted robbery – which detectives believe may have been committed by the same person.

The attempted robbery took place at the Mace convenience store in Columbia Road, Ensbury Park, Bournemouth on Monday (22 June) at approximately 1pm.

A man approached the female cashier and made demands for money, banging his fist on the counter and making threats. The shocked cashier backed away and the man made off empty handed – running across Columbia Road and into the Slades Farm housing estate.  He had his hood up and a scarf obscuring his face.

A few days’ later (24 June), a robbery was carried out at Peters Newsagent, on the junction of Columbia Road and Kinson Road, at approximately 2pm.

A man ran into the store with his hood up, obscuring his face – he was shouting loudly while carrying a knife and snatched a small amount of money from the till before running off.

Other customers were present and the man was seen running down Kinson Road, into Cherford Road and onto Turbary Common. 

Detective Constable Mark White, of Bournemouth and Poole police, said: “I believe the same man is responsible for both of these incidents and need to hear from anyone who may have information about the offender.

“The man is described as dark skinned, aged 16 to 25 years old and dressed all in black clothing with a hooded jacket.

“If anyone believes they saw this man on either 22 or 24 June – in and around the Columbia Road area – I need to hear from them.

“Both of the days on which these incidents occurred were very warm and the man was wearing a heavy jacket – so I’m sure people in the area will have noticed him.

“The man was seen running away on both occasions, towards and over the common land and I urge anyone who saw the man to contact me.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police on 01202 222 222 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.