PCC reaffirms her commitment to tackling anti-social behaviour

Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones has reaffirmed her commitment to tackling anti-social behaviour across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight as part of national ASB Awareness Week.

It’s one of her top priorities and is why she continues to invest in dedicated projects across policing and the wider community.

ASB remains a significant and deeply damaging issue, with thousands of people experiencing it in their daily lives.

ASB and its associated crime can take many forms – from aggressive, noisy or abusive behaviour, to vandalism, reckless driving, drugs and e-scooters.

Donna Jones said: “People shouldn’t feel unsafe where they live and work. Many people have told me how ASB has impacted their mental health or, in some extreme cases, has caused them to move home. That’s just not right.

“It’s why, through my ASB and Safer Communities Funds, I will continue to invest in state-of-the-art CCTV for our town centres; seize and crush cars, e-bikes and e-scooters being used irresponsibly; and fund projects which take our young people off the streets and give them meaningful activities which ultimately give back to society.”

In the last year, funding has included:

• Youth engagement programmes to reduce ASB in hotspot areas, such as Portsmouth seafront
• Joint patrols in town centres and city centres, including Southampton and Andover, to disrupt ASB and provide visible reassurance
• CCTV in Hayling Island, Hamble, Eastleigh and Southampton to aid investigations and prevent crime
• Early intervention projects delivered in partnership with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service
• Supporting community-led initiatives and youth engagement including The Waterfront Restorative Approaches Partnership (WRAP) which delivers sailing activities to build resilience, confidence, and life skills among young people, providing a constructive pathway away from anti-social behaviour
• Similarly, investment in projects such as Leigh Park Boxing Club have provided young people with structure, discipline, and mentorship. The provision of a safe and supportive environment has also helped divert individuals away from criminal activity while fostering a sense of community.

The Commissioner has also continued to support approaches that make policing more accessible and responsive to community needs.

Local Bobbies remain a key part that, providing dedicated officers for every community who are visible, contactable, and focused on addressing local concerns.

The Commissioner added: “ASB can’t be solved by policing along. But by working together we can better protect people, enhance their quality of life, and reinforce the trust that underpins legitimate and effective policing.”

19,907 incidents of ASB were recorded in Hampshire and Isle of Wight in 2025/26 compared to 22,141 in 2022/23.

This demonstrates sustained progress made thanks to the Commissioner’s targeted interventions and partnership activity.

If you see or experience any anti-social behaviour that may be causing a risk to yourself or someone else, or which you think may be a crime, then please report to the police by calling 101, or report online: Report antisocial behaviour | Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary. In an emergency always call 999.