Are crime rates affecting businesses in Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth?

Old Christchurch road business owner, Ruset Klic, says his staff feel ‘scared’ to commute to and from work for fear of anti-social behaviour.

A total of 110 crimes were reported in the month of November along the road, the majority of which were for anti-social behaviour. In total there were over 14 reports of this type.

Reports of burglary and violence were also among the higher reports in November, according to statistics on Police.uk’s crime map.

But how does this affect the people that live and operate in Bournemouth every day?

Spar owner, Ruset Klic, is concerned at these numbers. His store is located in the middle of the road, which stretches from Lansdowne to the edge of Bournemouth Gardens.

He told Buzz News: “On this road you can see a loss of culture. Different people, that are more aggressive, with a different lifestyle. People maybe drinking or taking drugs, are taking their aggression out here.

“Big shops, small shops, it doesn’t matter. If people get the chance, they steal.” – Ruset Klic

“It could be one of the reasons for anti-social behaviour, but not the main reason.

“People can still get alcohol from anywhere. People need to just consider what is reasonable behaviour and have respect.

“Also these incidents happen in the day time, it is a bigger problem than just nightlife.

“Big shops, small shops, it doesn’t matter. If people get the chance, they steal.”

Mr Klic claims that his shop is targeted as frequently as every other day, mostly by young adults.

When asked if he ever feels threatened by crime in the area, he said: “For me personally, no. I have worked in bars, clubs and hotels so I know how to handle myself. My colleagues though are scared. They don’t feel safe walking home here.”

“Police cannot be everywhere, they don’t have enough staff. The only way round it is we reduce the crimes or have extra officers.”

“It’s giving Bournemouth a bad name.”

We also asked some locals why they thought crime statistics were so high in the local area:

“I think its the nature of having so many bar and clubs, attracting less desirable people. It’s a haven for drugs round here, right up through Horseshoe Common.”

“This used to be the nicer part of Bournemouth, it’s sad really.”