Eastleigh District Commander Update

I wanted to provide an update on some of the work taking place across Eastleigh district and, more importantly, let you know how we are responding to the issues you tell us matter most.

We speak regularly about the importance of community feedback, whether that's through Let's Talk, Hampshire Alert, our beat surgeries, engagement events or conversations with officers and PCSOs out on patrol. Residents consistently tell us that they want to see action on issues such as drug dealing, anti-social behaviour, speeding, road safety and visible policing. This update is an opportunity to share some of the activity that has been taking place to address those concerns and keep our communities safe.

Over recent months, our teams have continued to take proactive action against those involved in organised criminality and the supply of drugs across the district. Operations targeting county lines activity and local drug networks have led to arrests, charges and the seizure of suspected Class A and Class B drugs, cash, weapons and other criminal assets. Warrants have been executed at a number of locations across Eastleigh, disrupting criminal activity and helping to safeguard vulnerable people who are often exploited by offenders.

Our Neighbourhood Enforcement Team, District Policing Teams and Roads Policing Unit have worked closely together on a range of proactive operations, resulting in further arrests for drug supply offences, drug driving and other criminal activity. This joined-up approach allows us to target offenders effectively while maintaining a visible presence within our communities.

Anti-social behaviour remains a priority for both residents and local businesses. We have continued to increase patrols in hotspot locations, engage with young people and work closely with partners to prevent issues escalating. Where necessary, officers have used dispersal powers and other enforcement tools to protect the public and deal with those responsible for causing disruption and harm within our town centres and neighbourhoods. We understand that a quick fix is not all that is needed and that a long term problem solving approach will improve the quality of life for residents, so that is what we are doing.

Through Operation Tranquility, we have also continued to tackle vehicle-related anti-social behaviour and dangerous driving. Enforcement activity has resulted in action being taken against drivers for offences including speeding, illegal vehicle modifications and other road traffic offences. We know these issues have a significant impact on quality of life for local residents, and we remain committed to addressing them.

Speeding continues to be one of the most common concerns raised through our community engagement channels, particularly through Let's Talk. In response, we have been working closely with our Safer Roads Unit to carry out both enforcement and preventative activity across the district. Our aim remains simple: to improve road safety, reduce the risk of collisions and make our roads safer for everyone.

Our neighbourhood policing teams continue to be highly visible across the district, engaging with residents, schools, businesses and community groups. Alongside responding to incidents and investigating crime, officers and PCSOs have been supporting educational initiatives, helping to tackle abandoned and uninsured vehicles, carrying out bicycle security marking events and working with partners to resolve longer-term community concerns.

We have also utilised Live Facial Recognition technology as part of our efforts to identify offenders and support investigations. Used responsibly and proportionately, this technology provides another tool to help keep our communities safe while ensuring officers can focus resources where they are most needed.

None of this work happens in isolation. The information, intelligence and feedback we receive from residents remains vital in helping us understand local concerns and target our activity effectively. I would, therefore, encourage anyone who has not already done so to take part in our Let's Talk survey, attend a local beat surgery or sign up to Hampshire Alert.

Thank you to everyone who continues to support us, engage with us and share information with us. We remain committed to preventing crime, targeting those who cause harm and working with partners to ensure Eastleigh remains a safe place to live, work and visit.

Chief Inspector Rachel Noble
District Commander, Eastleigh