'Problem areas' patrolled in Portsmouth after 3 rape investigations

AREAS identified as being a problem are being patrolled after three stranger rapes in Portsmouth, a senior officer has said in a bid to reassure the public.
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Portsmouth’s district commander, Superintendent Steve Burridge, spoke out after his second-in-command told city councillors the attacks between August 3 and September 20 were ‘rare’.

Now Supt Burridge has said ‘problem areas’ are being checked and all reports have been ‘investigated thoroughly by specialist teams’.

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Officers are not linking the three attacks, he said. One man has been charged.

Portsmouth police district commander Supt Steve Burridge. Picture: Sarah Standing (040319-733)Portsmouth police district commander Supt Steve Burridge. Picture: Sarah Standing (040319-733)
Portsmouth police district commander Supt Steve Burridge. Picture: Sarah Standing (040319-733)

In a statement Supt Burridge told The News: ‘Thankfully these types of reports have been unusual in the city, but we continue to work with partner agencies in the city to provide reassurance and personal safety advice to specific community groups where required and are carrying out patrols where problem areas are identified to us.

‘This work to engage with groups, including young people, is ongoing.

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‘Hampshire Constabulary offers a highly trained specialist team called Amberstone to respond to reports of rape and sexual assault, with dedicated support throughout.

Police investigating a rape in Turner Road, Buckland, in Portsmouth on Sunday, September 20. 

Picture: Keith Woodland (200920-11)Police investigating a rape in Turner Road, Buckland, in Portsmouth on Sunday, September 20. 

Picture: Keith Woodland (200920-11)
Police investigating a rape in Turner Road, Buckland, in Portsmouth on Sunday, September 20. Picture: Keith Woodland (200920-11)
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‘These types of offences are also subject to the highest level of scrutiny to ensure that we provide the best service possible for victims and protect the local community.

‘We do everything possible to ensure that victims of sexual violence feel confident in being able to report these serious crimes to police and also that victims have trust in our response.

‘The force remains committed to providing the best possible protection and support for victims and to bringing offenders involved in these crimes to justice.’

He said the Hampshire and Isle of WightSexual Assault Referral Centre – Treetops in Cosham is a key component in providing support.

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As reported, a man has been charged with raping a 19-year-old woman on August 29 in an alleyway off Clarendon Road, Southsea.

Six teenagers from Portsmouth were arrested following another 19-year-old woman being raped on September 20 in Turner Road, Buckland. Five were released on bail to October, while one was released under investigation.

Police are still investigating the rape and violent assault of a 40-year-old woman on August 3 on Southsea Common.

Get support

For support, call Parcs office on (023) 9266 9613.

Alternatively, e-mail [email protected] or call the women’s line on (023) 9266 9511 or men’s line on (023) 9266 9516.

See parcs.org.uk for more.

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