Police Hunt Group of Boys After Thousands of Pounds of Damage Caused at Utilita Bowl

Police are appealing for witnesses after a group of boys caused extensive criminal damage at the Utilita Bowl in West End on Friday evening, leaving a local transport business facing major repair costs and lost revenue.

Officers received a report that between 5:26pm and 7:00pm on Friday 14 November, five boys — believed to be aged between 12 and 16 — gained entry to the site by climbing over a fence. Police say the group then accessed an ice-cream concessions hut, where items were stolen and a fire extinguisher was discharged inside.

The boys then moved into a nearby car park, where they smashed the doors and windows of 13 buses, a minibus, two traffic management vehicles, and a van owned by the business. Fire extinguishers were also released inside several of the vehicles. The company is now facing significant loss of income while the vehicles remain out of service.

All five boys have been described as white, of slim build, and aged 12–16.

Inspector Alex Lockyer, of the 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?”

Police are particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have seen boys matching the description near Botley Road, the David Lloyd Health Club, the Holiday Inn, or around the Hilton Hotel in West End before 5:30pm, or leaving the area around 7pm, possibly via the golf course or onto Moor Hill Road.

Inspector Lockyer added:
“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.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting reference 44250516170, or submit details via the police website. Information can also be given anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website.