Christchurch West

Business crime including theft and criminal damage

Location:
Christchurch town centre / Fairmile / Barrack Road

Describe the issue & its affects:
Shoplifting and damage predominantly caused by youths or drug users.

What action will you take to tackle the issue:

Provide a SPOC for the local businesses to ensure a joined up approach to identifying suspects and taking robust action to break the offending cycle.

August Update:
- Since the introduction of two new Neighbourhood Policing Team officers to the Christchurch area, officers have been actively engaging with businesses and residents across Christchurch Town Centre, Fairmile and Barrack Road. The new officers have been carrying out visits to local businesses, introducing themselves to the community and strengthening relationships to ensure concerns are identified and addressed promptly.
- Following reports of a series of plant thefts affecting local residents and businesses, officers worked closely with members of the community to gather information and review available CCTV footage. This has resulted in the identification of a suspect, and enquiries remain ongoing to establish their identity and take appropriate action.
- The new Local Policing Inspector has also conducted patrols within the area and met with representatives from the Business Improvement District (BID). Discussions focused on current crime trends, concerns affecting local businesses and opportunities for improved information sharing to support intelligence development and the identification of offenders.
- Officers have continued high-visibility patrols in key locations, taking robust action against individuals whose behaviour has had a negative impact on the community. This has included the use of dispersal powers (Section 35 notices) to address anti-social behaviour, street drinking and associated disorder.
- Local businesses have been encouraged to report incidents and share CCTV opportunities to assist investigations.
- We will continue to work closely with businesses, residents and partner agencies to identify suspects, disrupt offending and ensure those responsible for shoplifting, criminal damage and anti-social behaviour are dealt with appropriately. Through ongoing engagement, intelligence gathering and targeted patrol activity, we aim to reduce crime and keep Christchurch Town Centre, Fairmile and Barrack Road safe for businesses, employees and the wider community.

July Update:

This is a new priority that we have begun to tackle.

Christchurch now has two extra officers who have been tasked with focussing on the town centre and Barrack road. They will be working with local businesses to identify repeat offenders and take positive action with the aim of making Christchurch town centre a safer place for all our visitors and residents.

Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB)

Location:
Somerford Road, Bailey Bridge retail park

Describe the issue & its affects:
Abusive groups of children committing thefts, damage and low level assaults.

What action will you take to tackle the issue:

Work with the public and local businesses to identify suspects in order to take positive action with the aim of reducing offending and making the area safer for the general public and business employees.

August Update:
- Following extensive enquiries, officers identified a number of young people responsible for the reported incidents.
- Positive action has been taken, with key individuals being dealt with in relation to theft offences and low-level assaults. These cases remain under review by the Youth Justice Team, who are working with those involved to provide education, intervention and support aimed at reducing re-offending and preventing further anti-social behaviour.
- Following an increase in reports of anti-social behaviour and concerns for welfare involving a group of young people in the Somerford area, officers have worked closely with the Safer Schools Team and BCP Council's Anti-Social Behaviour Team to identify those involved. Through the use of the local consequences scheme, warning letters have been issued to the parents and guardians of those identified, highlighting concerns and setting clear expectations regarding future behaviour.
- A particular address was also brought to our attention following concerns raised by members of the community. Officers conducted a joint visit with the housing provider and continue to work in partnership to address the issues reported and provide long-term solutions for those affected.
- Officers have continued to conduct reassurance patrols and engagement visits with local businesses, providing crime prevention advice and encouraging the reporting of any further incidents.
- The Neighbourhood Policing Team has also attended the area with the Mobile Police Station, offering residents and members of the public the opportunity to discuss concerns, share information and receive updates on police activity in the area.
- Additional high-visibility patrols have been carried out at key times identified through intelligence and community feedback.
- We continue to work closely with local businesses, partner agencies and the community to monitor the situation, identify any new offenders and take appropriate action where necessary. These efforts have contributed to a reduction in reported incidents and aim to ensure the area remains a safe environment for residents, visitors and those working locally

July Update:

This is a new priority that we have begun to tackle.

Officers have completed extensive CCTV enquiries and identified a number of children who have been repeatedly involved in the above-mentioned activity. Positive action has been taken and we await outcomes from the Youth Justice Team who are working to reduce re-offending through a number of initiatives.