Hampshire police given additional funding to target antisocial behaviour hotspots as summer crackdown begins

Police are launching a crackdown on antisocial behaviour this summer, writes George Cummings.

The Police and Crime Commissioner of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Donna Jones, said the town centre initiative - called the Safer Streets Summer Initiative - will target 28 ‘hotspots’ across the county.

Officers will be using powers such as Fixed Penalty Notices and Community Protection Orders, as well as undertaking extra foot patrols, to prevent the usual increase in antisocial behaviour (ASB) that comes with the summer months, she said.

PCSOs and Special Constables will also work closely with Community Safety partners, businesses, and community groups to help reduce crime over the coming months.

Ms Jones said: “As the evenings get lighter and schools break up, the demand on policing services increases.

“Crime reports show antisocial behaviour, retail and street crime can escalate, which takes up valuable resources.

"I’m committed to taking back our town centres this summer with a positive police presence and targeted action against crime.

“I want our town and city centres to be vibrant, welcoming places where businesses thrive and people feel safe to come and shop, socialise and live.

“That’s why I continue to invest in specialist ASB wardens, City Centre Policing Units and local bobbies.”

While she acknowledged that there has been a 6.3 per cent reduction in ASB over the last year, Ms Jones said she does not intend to stop there, as “more can always be done”.

“Earlier this month, I launched UK Partners Against Crime (UKPAC) as part of our collaborative work with businesses in town and city centres,” she added.

“The cutting edge system provides retailers with a powerful tool to help them report crime quickly and help police track offenders, share intelligence and put prolific thieves before a court.

“Although this is a summer campaign, I am working all year round to make sure ASB, street crime and violence is reduced in our communities.

“This is why I’ve given local authorities across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight £620,000 over the next financial year for more hotspot patrols and to support wider measures to prevent ASB.

“Working with our Community Safety Partnerships, I also fund a number of projects which offer young people involved in antisocial behaviour meaningful activities to help reduce crime.

“I’ve seen first-hand how organisations and community groups have provided life-changing interventions which have transformed people’s lives.

“Together we can create safer, thriving town centres and make a lasting difference to our communities.”

The Safer Streets Summer Initiative will run until September 30, but data on its effectiveness will be collected monthly and fed back to the Home Office.