Amanda Martin MP has spent recent weeks joining each neighbourhood police officer on patrols across Portsmouth North, seeing first-hand the work being done to tackle antisocial behaviour, shoplifting and local crime in communities across the constituency.
The visits come as the Government delivers its Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee ahead of schedule, backed by a £200 million investment to recruit thousands of additional neighbourhood police officers and PCSOs across the country, including up to 65 new neighbourhood policing roles in Hampshire.
Amanda joined officers in Baffins, Stamshaw, Cosham, Paulsgrove, Drayton, Copnor and Hilsea, speaking directly with police teams, local businesses and residents about the issues affecting their communities.
In Baffins, Amanda accompanied officers through Great Salterns Recreation Ground, around the pond and along Tangier Road, discussing concerns raised by residents about antisocial behaviour. During the patrol, officers also investigated reports from constituents in Whitecliffe Avenue, locating nitrous oxide canisters that had been abandoned in the area. Amanda also spoke with local shopkeepers about the impact antisocial behaviour can have on businesses and the importance of visible neighbourhood policing.
In Stamshaw, the Portsmouth MP joined officers responding to reports of youth-related antisocial behaviour. During the patrol, officers successfully recovered a suspected stolen bike after locating a group of young people attempting to remove identifying features from it.
In Cosham and Paulsgrove, they walked through the High Street and surrounding areas, discussing local concerns ranging from environmental issues to retail crime. She accompanied officers responding to a reported shop theft and spoke with local businesses about the challenges they face.
Meanwhile, in Drayton, Copnor and Hilsea, Amanda visited local parks and community hotspots where residents have reported youth antisocial behaviour. She also joined officers visiting local businesses, including the Co-op on Tregaron Avenue, following concerns raised by staff and constituents about repeated incidents affecting the area.
Amanda Martin MP said: “One of the issues I hear about most from residents is the need for visible policing in our communities. That’s why it has been so valuable to spend time with neighbourhood officers across Portsmouth North and see the work they do every day to keep our communities safe.
“Whether it is tackling antisocial behaviour in our parks, responding to concerns from local businesses, recovering suspected stolen property or addressing issues raised directly by residents, neighbourhood police officers play a vital role in our communities.
“For too long, neighbourhood policing was hollowed out, leaving many residents feeling that the police were simply not visible enough in the places where problems occur. That’s why I welcome this Government’s commitment to putting more officers back on the beat and strengthening the connection between police and the communities they serve.
“Throughout these visits I have heard directly from officers about the difference visible policing can make. I’ve also heard from residents and business owners who want to see a stronger police presence in their neighbourhoods.
“I will continue working closely with Hampshire Police and residents to ensure the concerns people raise with me are heard and acted upon.”
Under the Government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, every community will have dedicated neighbourhood policing teams, with increased patrols in town centres and local hotspots. The Government is also introducing new measures through the Crime and Policing Bill aimed at tackling persistent antisocial behaviour, protecting retail workers and giving police stronger powers to deal with nuisance vehicles and repeat offenders.
The MP for Portsmouth North added: “Everyone deserves to feel safe where they live, work and shop. These visits have shown the value of neighbourhood policing and why investing in local officers is so important for communities across Portsmouth North.”
Here is the list of officers covering Portsmouth North, useful to know who’s out and about in your community or if you want to raise something directly with one of them:
- Cosham & Paulsgrove – PC Ben Treend
- Hilsea, Drayton, Farlington & Copnor – PC Owen Goldfinch
- Hilsea, Drayton, Farlington & Copnor – PC Sue Smith
- Baffins – PC Jamie Christian
- Fratton – PC Chris Middleton
- Nelson – PC Nicholas Joyce
