Two men arrested on suspicion of vandalising nine shops in Dorchester

Two men have been arrested for damaging nine shops in an alleged late-night attack in South Street and Hardy Arcade in Dorchester on Sunday (31), stated media outlets, while police have issued a witness appeal for more accused. 

As per reports, at around 1.10am on Sunday (31), about nine shops had their windows smashed in South Street and Hardy Arcade. The shops include JoJo Maman Bébé, Robert Dyas, ProCook, WHSmith, Amplifon Hearing Centre, Specsavers and Wise Owl Toys.

One man from Weymouth and another man from the Dorchester area have been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and attempted burglary.

Central Convenience Store and Spar in Maud Road also had their windows and doors smashed. It was further reported at Specsavers that entry was gained to the shop and a fire extinguisher was stolen in an alleged burglary.

Following the damage to the nine shops, affected business owners have been left to makeshift repairs and count the cost of repairs.

Local media outlets quoted David James, owner of Wise Owl Toys in Hardye Arcade, was left ‘very disappointed’ about the damage to his window and feared how much it cost to replace.

Wise Owl Toys prides itself with its large shop window displays with colorful toy displays and is set to celebrate 27 years of business this week.

 “I am very disappointed in what is coming up to a busy time for us. We don’t know how long the window is going to be out of action for due to the damage and also the cost involved.

James said it was the second time in 27 years that his business had been vandalised and hoped it would be the last time, reports said.

Local councilor David Taylor was left “absolutely furious” about the “outrageous damage” to the shops and sent his best wishes to the affected business owners.

The investigation into the alleged burglary and criminal damage to shop windows in Dorchester are ongoing, with officers keen to speak to any witnesses.