I share many residents concerns that there has recently been a worrying increase in crime and anti social behaviour in the Gosport area.
I have been in touch with the Chief Constable and Chief Inspector to discuss this further and ensure that all possible action is being taken to address this issue. I have also spoken with the Police & Crime Commissioner for Hampshire who is working with the Chief Constable on this matter.
Some residents have conflated the situation with the closure of the Police Station. However most local people will know that the Police Station has simply moved and is now co-located with the Gosport Borough Council offices. Hampshire Constabulary say this will mean there is better front desk provision and improved collaboration with the Council's Community Safety Team and more money to spend on front line policing. They also say that the number of front-line police hasn't been reduced in this move.
Both Fareham and Portsmouth Councils have recently introduced Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO) which have significantly reduced incidents of rough sleeping in those towns. This may have had an impact on the number of rough sleepers in Gosport. I have spoken to Gosport Borough Council who have advised me that they will be consulting on a PSPO in Gosport which they are looking to implement ASAP.
I will continue to keep residents updated via my website.
