Officers are appealing for witnesses to come forward after criminal damage was caused to two COVID-19 vaccination centres in Bournemouth – with CCTV images of the suspect being issued.
Dorset Police was called at 8.44am on Sunday 16 May 2021 to reports that signs, paving stones, concrete areas and a building at the Bournemouth International Centre had been sprayed with anti-COVID-19 graffiti relating to the current vaccination scheme that is underway there. It is believed the damage was caused between 2am and 2.30am that morning.
At 11.24am on Monday 17 May 2021 a further report was received stating that a marquee at Westbourne Medical Centre, which is also hosting the COVID-19 vaccination programme, was spray painted with similar graffiti. The damage is said to have occurred just after midnight in the early hours of Sunday 16 May 2021.
It is believed the two incidents are linked.
Police Sergeant Chris Vaughan, of Bournemouth police, said: “This mindless damage has caused great inconvenience to both centres at a time when the vaccination programme has had to step up a gear in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“A full investigation is underway into both incidents. We have obtained CCTV images of the suspect from the BIC incident and, although the quality is not very good, I would urge anyone who recognises this man to please contact Dorset Police.
“Finally, I would ask anyone who saw anything suspicious at either location at the relevant time to please come forward.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email [email protected] or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210076730. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.
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