How Safe Do You Feel in Charminster?

Following a recent serious sexual assault on a 36 year-old Ringwood woman in Iddesleigh Road, Charminster, questions have been raised about the general safety of the area.

Iddesleigh Road itself flanks the cemetery and some of its pavements are obscured by the overhanging trees. The woman in question was subjected to the horrific attack on Sunday May 30 at around 5am.

Charminster's 'strip' of shops, clubs, bars and takeaways has people wandering up and down at all times of the day and night. As you venture into the labyrinthine streets, there are often people skulking around too.

Most of these people of course are completely innocent and are just going about their business however the area is known to be a haven for a criminal minority.

Brothels, drug dealers and an array of folk of ill repute all either exist or reside in the suburb and mix with the law abiders.

Locals know of these activities and some have expressed anger, fear, a sense of helplessness and a multitude of other emotions when describing the state of Charminster and the effect crime is having on the area.

Their feelings on walking in the area, day or night, are much the same. Whilst it can be an exciting, invigorating experience to spend an evening in cosmopolitan 'Charmy', there is also a sense of being on edge, especially if walking alone late at night.

Charminster's police community support unit urgently needs to reassure residents that the area is a safe place to visit and with the support of their colleagues, root out the undesirable element that is a blight on this otherwise exhilirating part of Bournemouth.


If you witnessed the attack on May 30 at around 5am or have any information regarding the man, call police on 01202 222222 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line, 0800 555 111.