Bournemouth: Thousands spent to replace stolen Israeli signs

All but one of the signs twinning Bournemouth and the Israeli coastal town of Netanya were taken down in April prompting a police investigation. 

Following the theft, BCP Council said it would be purchasing new signs to replace the ones taken from New Road, Mountbatten Roundabout, Magna Road and Ringwood Road. 

A supplier has now made the signs and secured them on the ‘Welcome to Bournemouth’ sign with anti-vandal bots at a cost of £3,203.69. 

Jewish councillor for Littledown Lawrence Williams urged the police to continue to look for the thief who stole the signs. 

(Image: Daily Echo)

He added: “I’m very happy that they are back but they should never have been taken in the first place.  

“The council and the charter trustees really shouldn’t be left with the bill for this and hopefully the insurance will pay for this, but we’ll still be paying one way or another.” 

East Cliff and Springbourne councillor Anne Filer added: “I am delighted that the signs have been put back because I think twinning two towns represents the friendship between two towns. 

“This can only be a good thing and brings people together; the twinning of any towns is a good thing for international friendships.” 

The signs were stolen across Bournemouth in April (Image: Daily Echo)

Deputy mayor of Bournemouth Anne Filer (Image: BCP Council)

A BCP Council spokesman said: “The road signs indicating that the Israeli town of Netanya is twinned with Bournemouth have all been replaced following their disappearance earlier in the year. 

“They have been secured by anti-vandal bolts and this work cost £3,203.69. 

“The incident was reported to the police, but we are waiting further information on the potential identity of the offenders.” 

Calls were recently made Green councillor Joe Salmon to un-twin the two towns following the war between Israel and Palestine. 

Cllr Salmon said the idea of twinning is “rooted in fostering mutual respect, cultural exchange and the promotion of peace and understanding” but argued Israel has not shown this. 

The call led hundreds on both sides to protest outside the town hall during the charter trustees meeting and also made national headlines. 

It was eventually quashed before it could be debated, with councillors of all colours accusing Cllr Salmon of “stirring up division". 

Bournemouth remains twinned with Netanya and has been since 1995.

Netanya is a Mediterranean resort city in central Israel and, like Bournemouth, is known for its sandy beaches.