Businesses 'shocked and scared' after series of drive-by shootings

Businesses in east Dorset, have been subject to a number of shootings aimed at windows and causing damage. 

Shop owners said the once “thriving” high street has seen a “random influx of criminal activity” and that police are not pulling their weight. 

Dorset Police said they “recognise the impact” this has on businesses and enquiries are ongoing. 

Smashed window in Holdenhurst Road (Image: Daily Echo)

One cafe worker, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “A car pulled up, leant out of their window, shot at the window and went on. 

“The whole area has been left to go wrack and ruin. There are a lot of homeless around here and drunks and this is a factor as to why I want to leave. 

“When it happened, I was in shock. I gingerly went outside, looked up and down and realised a BB gun must have hit the window. 

“I’ve been here for 24 years and I’ve seen some change. It was quite a good area initially, but it has gone down.” 

Damage to Aaron's door (Image: Daily Echo)

Aaron, who owns a small massage business, had his business broken into and the door smashed in. 

He said: “Usually this road is a thriving high street and this sort of thing hasn’t happened until recently.  

“This is just a random influx of criminal activity which we did report to the police, but it’s like talking to a brick wall. 

“I am scared and also concerned that they are getting away with it. This is the first time I have had a business, so to have this happen to me is demoralising and scary.” 

More damage to another shop (Image: Daily Echo)

Another businessman, who asked not to be named, said: “People are shooting at our windows. A car at night was opposite the library for about 10 minutes and a guy then shot our window and then left. 

“We feel unconfident to stay around here with our business. Ten years this shop has been here, and we have never had this issue. It is only a recent problem. 

“There are too many drugs and crazy people around here.” 

A Dorset Police spokesman said the force has received two reports of criminal damage to shops in Holdenhurst Road in January, one involving pellets and another when a man reportedly rammed a shop window with his shoulder, causing it to crack. 

He added: “Enquiries into the incidents are ongoing and local officers have been made aware so they can monitor for any increase in reports and respond robustly as we recognise the impact incidents of this nature have on local businesses."