PCC helps long-term crime clean up in Gosport

The Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones, is helping fund the long-term success of Gosport’s “Not in My Town” operation against Serious Organised Crime and addiction.

The PCC has provided £150,000 towards the rehabilitation of 15 high intensity drug and alcohol users who held links to drug supply lines and were responsible for more than 250 crimes across 2023 and 2024.

PCC Donna Jones said: “This operation has made great strides in improving life in Gosport for residents, while my investment will help to ensure that continues as well as improving the outlook for some of the people most responsible for crime in the town.

“Getting these high-intensity users into rehab programmes will give them a great opportunity to change their lives and reduce the impact their crimes were having on the area. Reducing offending and reoffending is the cornerstone of making our communities places which are safe and crime free.

“This project has highlighted the importance of police action to tackle the scourge of drugs and drug-related crime in Gosport, but also of ongoing activities to ensure that this is not only a short-term measure.

“As Commissioner, reducing incidents of anti-social behaviour related to drug activity remains one of my top priorities. Getting these type of offenders off the streets and into treatment will give them the opportunity to build a better future for themselves, and create a safer future for Gosport residents.”

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary have already made significant progress as part of the operation, executing 15 warrants and making 64 arrests, to help tackle the flow of drugs from Organised Crime Group’s and the impact of Serious Organised Crime on the town – seeing a 63% drop in Anti-Social Behaviour in the area for the year-to-date.

During the operation, the group of 15 drug and alcohol users were identified and helped into an outreach rehabilitation programme. This provides treatment which aims to build on the future by reducing harm, preventing further criminal activity and improving the quality of life – for the users and for Gosport too.

Two of the users, who are now receiving support and treatment, have spoken of the positive impact rehab has had on them already:

“These rehab groups have been some of the best groups I have done. I was really helped to get ready for rehab. I have learnt things that will help me while going through and completing. I have given up using crack since starting these groups. I can recommend these groups. I hope these groups and the rehab funding carries on as they are really needed. This rehab team has helped me loads”.

“My experience has been a good experience. I feel that everyone in this group wants to help us users get into rehab. The workers are supportive and understanding. I feel so much more positive doing these groups as I feel hopeful about the future knowing there are things that can help me with my issues. I am grateful for the opportunity.”

The project “Gosport, Not in My Town” requires strong partnerships to collaborate, listen and work closely with the community to reclaim their neighbourhoods and to stop Organised Crime Gangs from re-emerging.