PCC funded patrols begin to tackle anti-social behaviour and crime in Shirley

The first joint patrol has taken place by police and security guards in Southampton’s Shirley Precinct to support businesses and crackdown on crime and anti-social behaviour.

The Synergy Security guards have been funded by Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones after she stepped in to help tackle issues in the area.

The new patrols, delivered in partnership with Southampton City Council, will run on a daily basis between midday and 8pm for the next 10 weeks.

They’ll operate alongside Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary’s regular city patrols to act as a deterrent and offer extra reassurance to businesses, residents and shoppers.

Police officers and Southampton City Council staff have visited local shops to introduce the Synergy team and outline how the patrols will work.

They spoke to business owners who had previously spoken of their fear of going to work due to repeated abuse, intimidation and shoplifting.

But in the six weeks since the Police Commissioner pledged tough action on crime, they have seen a significant reduction in incidents in both the Precinct and the High Street areas of Shirley.

Donna Jones said: “The introduction of these patrols is a clear signal to criminals and anyone out to cause trouble that Shirley should no longer be perceived as an easy target.

“People have the right to live and work here without fear for their safety and livelihoods.

“Alongside these patrols, I am also putting long term solutions in place to ensure crime doesn’t start creeping up again.

“Southampton City Council has put in a bid to my office for permanent CCTV and we’ll continue to invest in youth outreach programmes to tackle the root causes of offending.

“What we are doing here is a clear reminder of what we can achieve when the community as a whole works together and I hope this offers people reassurance that their safety is my top priority.”

Councillor Alex Winning, Leader of Southampton City Council and Ward Councillor for Shirley, added: “I’m delighted that the first joint patrol has taken place in Shirley Precinct.

“Southampton City Council is committed to ensuring Southampton remains a safe and supportive community for all to thrive in and enjoy. We will continue to work closely with partners as we know how distressing anti-social behaviour can be for residents and businesses.

“Criminal behaviour in our city will not be tolerated and I would encourage anyone who experiences or witnesses anti-social behaviour of any kind to report it to the police.”

Businesses are encouraged to remain vigilant and, if they ever feel incidents are starting to escalate, to contact the Commissioner directly for support via opcc@hampshire.police.uk