Man Defends Home Against Armed Burglars

Detectives in Poole are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information to come forward after an attempted aggravated burglary in the Alderney area of the town.

The incident, in which three men – one equipped with a metal bar – tried to force entry to a house along Portelet Close, happened at around 7.45pm on Monday, 20 December 2010.

The victim, a 67-year-old man, defended his property and pushed the offenders away.

No-one was injured and the men did not steal anything.

Detective Constable James Taylor, of Bournemouth and Poole CID, said: “The three men ran off as soon as they met resistance from the brave victim – this despite the fact that they clearly outnumbered him.

“The victim and his wife have only been living in the area for around six months and, given the fact that the men made off so swiftly, I cannot rule out the possibility that this was a case of mistaken identity.”

The men are all white, aged between 25 and 30, and between five feet ten inches and six feet tall. They were all dressed in black.

All three men ran off across Ringwood Road, a dual carriageway, towards the Alderney Estate.

DC Taylor continued: “Fortunately, no-one was hurt as a result of this shocking attack.

“I am appealing for anyone who witnessed this incident, and anyone with any information about the men responsible, to contact me urgently.

“Anyone who saw three men dressed in black in the Portelet Close area on Monday night is urged to call the police as soon as possible.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 01202 or 01305 22 22 22 quoting incident number 20:457. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.