Information sought following criminal damage incident at Utilita Bowl in West End

Officers investigating an incident, where thousands of pounds worth of criminal damage has been caused at the Utilita Bowl in West End, are appealing for information and witnesses to the incident.

We received a report that between 5:26pm and 7:00pm on Friday 14 November, five boys, thought to be aged between 12 and 16, broke into the Utilita Bowl by climbing over a fence.

They have then accessed an ice-cream concessions hut and stolen items, as well as using a fire extinguisher inside.

They have then proceeded to a car park, where they have damaged 13 buses, a minibus, two traffic management vehicles and a van owned by the business, by smashing the doors, nearly all the windows on the buses and releasing fire extinguishers inside the vehicles.

In addition to the damage caused, there is also loss of revenue to the bus company whilst the vehicles are out of action.

The boys involved have all been described as being aged between 12 and 16 years, white and of slim build.

Inspector Alex Lockyer, of Hedge End Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This incident has had a significant impact on a local business and we are aware this will also likely have caused concern within the community.

“We want to reassure you that this matter is being taken very seriously, and a thorough investigation is underway to identify those involved.

“We would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident, or witnessed the boys prior to entering, or after exiting the scene.

“We are also urging parents to consider whether their child may have been involved and where they were at the time of the incident. Did your child return home with any glass in their clothing?

“If you witnessed anyone of the above description, possibly on Botley Road, near David Lloyd Health Club, the Holiday Inn or around the Hilton Hotel, West End prior to 5:30pm, please report this to us.

“If you witnessed anyone of the above description leaving the area at around 7pm, possibly via the golf course or on to Moor Hill Road, West End, please report this to us.

“If you have any CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage from the surrounding area that could assist with our investigation please submit this to us.”

To report to us, please call 101 quoting reference 44250516170.

You can also submit information via our website: How to tell us about an existing case or report | Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary

Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or by visiting their website: Independent UK charity taking crime information anonymously | Crimestoppers