We've been focusing on beating nuisance behaviour

WE'VE been working on anti-social behaviour issues in Fareham's town centre. It's an area we work closely with our colleagues from the borough council on and doesn't always require criminal enforcement. Support agencies and other partner organisations are vital to helping people who may also be vulnerable.
Chief Insp Sharon WoolrichChief Insp Sharon Woolrich
Chief Insp Sharon Woolrich

Officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team have established dedicated patrols in the town centre to address issues that have been reported to us, which include: nuisance behaviour related to begging and street drinking, possession of drugs, and shoplifting.

In one case which we recently promoted we secured a Criminal Behaviour Order for a 30-year-old man following reports of anti-social behaviour in Fareham's town centre. This particular order lasts until September 2020. Criminal Behaviour Orders, which have replaced Asbos, are imposed by a court and can restrict where you go, who you associate with, and what activities you are allowed to take part in. Breaching the order is a criminal offence, which can lead to a prison sentence or a fine.

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Fareham's Community Safety Partnership has identified anti-social behaviour as one of its priorities. That means that other things like neighbour and noise complaints, housing services, littering, and abandoned vehicles, will all be dealt with by the most appropriate agency. In addition the partnership supports initiatives like the street pastors, Fareham Street Aid, and taxi marshals in the town centre during busy evenings.

One of the most important things we can all do is to identify and resolve some of the root causes of anti-social behaviour. That's why things like our licensing team carrying out spot checks relating to the sale of alcohol are vital.

Over the summer we also saw incidents of criminal damage, like those at the Holly Hill play area in Sarisbury Green. We take these kinds of reports very seriously. The danger caused by fire, whether accidental or intentional, cannot be underestimated and we will work to identify anyone who is involved in setting fires deliberately.

If you are experiencing problems with anti-social behaviour call Fareham Borough Council or our non-emergency number 101. In an emergency always dial 999.