Warning to public as detectives investigate watch robbery series
Members of the public are being urged to remain vigilant as police investigate a series of watch robberies in Bournemouth town centre.
Detailed investigations are underway into at least eight reported offences in the area since Sunday 11 June 2023. The offences typically involved victims who are leaving premises at night being approached by the suspects, who often pretend to be intoxicated before they then remove the watches from the victims’ wrists.
Some of the watches stolen are of higher value but a range of other watches have also been taken.
Detective Inspector Jon Sainsbury, of the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Neighbourhood Enforcement Team (NET), said: “We are conducting investigations into all of the offences that have been reported to us and exploring a number of lines of enquiry.
“While at this time we do not believe all of the offences necessarily involve the same offenders, there does appear to be a pattern of offending here and we want to urge members of the public to be aware that this type of crime is happening in the town and remain vigilant, particularly when they are out in the town at night.
“Local officers have been made aware as they continue to conduct high-visibility patrols in the town centre and they can be approached by members of the public with any information or concerns.”
Anyone with information relating to these offences can also report it by contacting Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55230107927. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.
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