Traditionally a time of increased problems, this summer has so far seen an 11% reduction in the number of reported anti-social behaviour incidents in Locks Heath compared to the same time last year, thanks to a summer-long campaign by Park Gate police to reduce crime.

Operation Stay Safe, the three-month campaign to make our streets safer is part of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight’s clampdown that has seen crime figures fall by 17% in total across the two counties compared with last year’s figures. Detection rates for criminal damage incidents have also risen by 3% across the counties.

During July and August 2008 there was a total of 4243 anti-social behaviour related incidents in the Central Operational Command Unit. (the area from Winchester to Gosport/Havant). During the same time in 2009 there were 3791 incidents - a reduction of 452.

Local police operations included a Parent Awareness Day held on August 15th at the Locks Heath Centre, which helped to inform parents of teenagers about the sorts of activities their children may be involved in while out with friends over the summer. High visibility patrols have also been targeting the local hot-spot areas: Priory Park, Locks Heath, and Longacres Park, Titchfield Common.

Police Sergeant David Spacey of the Safer Neighbourhood Team in Park Gate says  “It is our intention to carry on running these operations on a monthly basis for the remainder of the year and, obviously, the Team will continue to proactively tackle any issues arising on a week by week basis.”

All sections of the force are working as one team during this three-month initiative including staff from Intelligence units, crime units, resource management, and analysts.

Top three priorities for Park Gate West Safer Neighbourhoods Team are anti-social behaviour and underage drinking in Priory Park, Locks Heath Skate Park, Holly Hill Woods and Strawberry fields in Warsash, speeding, and criminal damage at all local schools in the Western Wards. These are the priorities agreed between Locks Heath residents and the Safer Neighbourhoods team.

What do you think of these priorities? Do you think enough is being done?

The Park Gate Team welcome your thoughts and ideas. Add your comments here, contact the Team directly on 0845 045 4545 (asking to speak to someone from Park Gate Safer Neighbourhoods team), or email park.gate.sector@hampshire.pnn.police.uk. You can also speak to Sergeant Spacey at the next Community Action Team meeting on Wednesday 14 October at Whiteley Community Centre from 7 - 8.30pm.

Please report incidents of anti-social behaviour by calling 101.