PCC pledges winter of discontent for criminals

Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones, says the relentless pursuit of criminals will continue this winter.

Throughout December and January, police will be tackling the unique challenges of the busy festive season.

Officers will be joined by PCSOs and Special Constables while working closely with Community Safety partners, businesses, schools and community groups to ensure our local areas are safe and welcoming.

Crime reports show anti-social behaviour, retail and street crime can escalate during the time of year due to a significant increase in footfall in town and city centres.

This can take up valuable police resources.

High-visibility patrols will take place during peak shopping periods and festive events like Christmas markets to deter shoplifters, reduce knife crime and crack down on anti-social behaviour.

They’ll also maintain their focus on issues in the night-time economy – from alcohol related violence to spiking and violence against women and girls.

PCC Donna Jones said: “This winter, I want to reaffirm my commitment to communities across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight that crime and anti-social behaviour has no place in our village, town and city centres.

“I want them to be vibrant, welcoming places where businesses thrive and people feel safe to live, come and do their shopping and enjoy our pubs, clubs and restaurants.

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

“They’ll be out on the streets offering reassurance that you can enjoy the festive season without concern.

“Businesses also have the added protection of the crime fighting app, UKPAC.

“In the six months since I launched it, it’s helped secure 45 years’ worth of prison sentences for around 70 shoplifters and has been expanded to cover troublemakers at pubs and clubs.

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

“We all have a part to play in helping create safer, thriving town centres and making a lasting difference to our communities.”

The work being carried out this winter showcases both the PCC’s and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary’s year-round mission to deliver exceptional local policing which puts victims first.

Assistant Chief Constable Tara McGovern said: “Our communities want to enjoy town and city centres over the winter period, whether it’s celebrating Christmas, shopping with family or going on a night out.

“As a force, our focus is on providing visible and proactive local policing, and we will build on that in December and January with plans on policing retail crime, anti-social behaviour and the night-time economy.

“What we need is for people to keep reporting incidents to us, whether it’s via your Local Bobby, our website or by dialling 101, so we can tailor our patrols as needed.”