Dennis Firth with syringes he found near his house. Picture by Peter Boam.
A BAG full of syringes was slapped down on the table at a meeting of Ryde Town Council.
Fed up with needles being dumped outside his home, Dennis Firth hoped his dramatic actions would convey his concerns.
Mr Firth, one of the founders of the Sherbourne Community Centre, suspects they are being discarded by someone with a grudge against him.
"I do make enemies because I take up issues and complaints for people who are perhaps too frightened to," he said.
Disabled Mr Firth, 57, of Sherbourne Avenue, Binstead, has collected 14 syringes in recent months.
He did not take the dirty ones to Monday’s town council meeting but some he bought from Boots.
"I have complained twice to police and to the police community support officer but nothing has been done. I wanted DNA taken from the syringes and that would perhaps identify who is doing this, so they can be stopped. I’m not particularly bothered for myself but whenever I see a syringe I pick it up as I am worried children might injure themselves and the consequences of that."
Insp Bill Pinnell confirmed a number of reports of syringes were being investigated. "Safe disposal of the syringes was arranged and extra police patrols are being carried out, as part of ongoing enquiries to establish whether any criminal offences have been committed," he said.
• Anyone with information or concerns can phone Ryde Police Station on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Reporter: richardw@iwcpmail.co.uk