Minutes:
The Chairperson welcomed Chief Inspector Korine Bishop of Hampshire Constabulary to the meeting who provided a verbal update on the latest position regarding policing in the Winchester town area, as summarised below:
It was reported that the Police Crime Commissioner had permitted Hampshire Constabulary to increase as a force from 99 to 114 ‘local bobbies’ during the current financial year to increase visibility in rural communities. Winchester, Hart, East Hants, New Forest, Basingstoke and the Isle Wight Districts were highlighted as locations that would see investment. Winchester district had received an increase of three rural local police officers which had been placed in Alresford and Bishops Waltham. It was noted that Bishops Waltham Police Station would be reopening in March with a newly renovated front office.
Chief Inspector Bishop provided detail surrounding recent crime statistics reported since April 2025 and formal action taken in respect of current district priorities, such as anti-social behaviour and shoplifting in the town centre outlining the continued work with the community safety partnership and the BID rangers to patrol the high street, crime within Winchester prison system, drug supply and usage and the action taken to disrupt and stop drug supply, and robbery and shoplifting.
Several members of the forum had submitted questions for response by Chief Inspector Bishop at the meeting. In addition, the forum proceeded to ask further questions and comment on the following matters which were responded to by Chief Inspector Bishop, as summarised below:
1. A question was asked regarding the theft of pedal bikes and electric bikes, specifically concerning prosecution rates. Chief Inspector Bishop stated that 35 pedal bike theft offences were recorded since April, though data for the railway station was held by the British Transport Police. It was noted that no convictions were achieved to date because of identification issues and the poor quality of available CCTV footage. Further clarification was sought regarding the rapid closure of these cases and the expectations for recovering stolen items. In response, it was explained that crimes were triaged for viable lines of inquiry and that local spikes in theft were treated as priorities.
2. Information was requested about antisocial behaviour involving children kicking doors. It was reported that police community support officers and police officers identified a group of children responsible for repeated issues, including egg throwing. The meeting was informed that these individuals would be processed through a community court or requested to sign acceptable behaviour contracts.
3. An enquiry was made about the security of the River Park building. It was confirmed that a partnership plan was established between the police, the council, and the fire service to address break-ins and arson. Measures included extra patrols and the installation of internal motion sensors and cameras to provide immediate notification of intruders.
4. A question was raised regarding a series of parcel thefts reported during the summer months. It was noted that over 100 reports were received in September, leading to a significant spike in theft figures. Although one individual was arrested, they were released without further action due to insufficient evidence for prosecution. It was stated that the police pushed back on the delivery company to address internal accountability and audit trails.
5. Concerns were expressed regarding road traffic collisions and speeding on various roads, including Badger Farm Road and Hyde Street. Chief Inspector Bishop noted that police data showed five incidents on Middle Brook Street and that a review of Badger Farm Road was ongoing. Further clarification was sought on whether speed indicator devices could address vehicle speeds. The response suggested that community-led speed watch schemes provided necessary evidence for police deployments.
6. A question was asked about the types of drugs involved in possession offences and current trends. It was stated that most offences related to cocaine and cannabis. Further clarification was sought on how public reports of drug activity were utilised as intelligence. It was explained that such information helped build a broader picture for investigations, even when immediate updates to the reporter were not possible.
7. An enquiry was made as to whether individuals found inside the River Park building could be prosecuted for a criminal offence. It was noted that prosecution for burglary or damage required specific points of proof and that simple entry might be considered civil trespass.
8. A question was asked regarding drug use hotspots and the safest methods for residents to report activity. It was confirmed that hotspots were monitored through patrols. Reporting methods included 999 for emergencies, 101, online platforms, or anonymous reports via Crimestoppers.
9. Information was sought regarding the police response to vehicles parking on pavements and blocking roads. It was stated that such matters were typically referred back to the council.
10. A question was raised about the
appropriate use of 999 versus 101 for reporting concerns. It was
advised that 999 was the correct choice when individuals were in
danger or when a caller felt concerned for the wellbeing of others.
11. An enquiry was made regarding the rise in cybercrime and smartphone use among school children. It was noted that cybercrime was a growing crime type and that officers worked with schools to educate children on online safety and identifying risks.
12. A question was asked about addressing graffiti and tagging on public property, such as cabinets and bridges. It was suggested that these incidents be reported to the council for removal to prevent the "broken window effect". The response also mentioned that work within schools aimed to educate children on the consequences of crime.
At the conclusion of questions and debate, the Chairperson thanked Chief Inspector Bishop for attending the meeting to provide an informative update on the latest police position for the area.
RESOLVED:
That the update be received, and the comments raised by the committee and the responses provided, as summarised above, be noted.