Recent news

Find out more about the work of the Safer Havant Partnership through these recent news stories:

Don't Swim with Sharks

They may not have fins or killer jaws, but loan sharks – or illegal moneylenders – are every bit as dangerous and predatory as their name suggests. Loan sharks are criminals who illegally lend money at high rates of interest, without having the licence required by the Customer Credit Act and can cause misery to those who they lend money to. Victims are not only charged astronomical rates of interest, but very often face violence, intimidation or blackmail if they fall behind with their payments.

Have you or anyone you know:

Been offered a cash loan without paperwork?
Been threatened when you couldn’t pay?
Had your benefit or bank card taken from you?
Had a loan that keeps growing even though you are making payments?

If you answered yes to the above you may have been bitten by a loan shark. Don’t panic! A specialist Trading Standards team is helping to hunt down the illegal moneylenders.

For confidential help and advice contact the Stop Loan Sharks Team on 0300 555 222, text ‘loan shark’ and your message to 60003 or follow the link below to email the team:

Email the Loan Shark Team >>

Christmas hampers for domestic abuse victims

The Safer Havant Partnership has been working with local businesses and charities to collect over £1000 worth of donated gifts for victims of domestic abuse. Representatives from the seven key partners of Safer Havant Partnership came together on 21^st December to pack and wrap the hampers full of Christmas goodies, including cosmetics, food and treats.

Leader of Havant Borough Council, Tony Briggs said: 'By collecting these donations for victims of domestic abuse and vulnerable people in the community, we hope to provide a small sense of normality at this extremely difficult time. I hope we are able to offer some comfort and cheer to those families affected.'

If you are a victim of domestic abuse, don’t suffer in silence. For support and advice, call the national 24 hour domestic violence helpline on 0808 2000 247 or Havant Women’s Aid on 023 9248 0246. If you are concerned about a friend, relative or neighbour who may be suffering abuse you can report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Link to further information and advice on domestic abuse issues >>

Know Your Limits in the Havant Borough

Over the last two months the Safer Havant Partnership has been running an innovative new campaign aimed at tackling binge-drinking and anti-social behaviour in the Havant Borough at the Meridian Centre and in two local colleges.

As a reminder to local residents about the consequences of excessive drinking, eye-catching shop mannequins showing young men and women in a drunken state were placed in a shop window in Havant's Meridian Centre and in South Downs and Havant colleges. The mannequins were accompanied by the message, 'You wouldn't start a night like this, so why end it that way?'

The campaign supported work already being undertaken across Havant by the Safer Havant Partnership to further reduce alcohol related crime and disorder, including recent training for frontline workers to engage with young people around alcohol issues. Follow the link for more information on alcohol issues in the Havant Borough:

Link to further information on alcohol issues in the Havant Borough >>

Link to a full evaluation of the Know Your Limits campaign >>

Local schools meet the Safer Havant Partnership!

Representatives of the Safer Havant Partnership visited a Careers Fair at the Mountbatten Centre for Havant students on the 8^th of December to talk to local children about their views on community safety issues and to give information and advice on alcohol. The team surveyed over 180 young people on the areas where they feel safe and unsafe in the Havant Borough. The Partnership will be using this information to inform their priority setting and decision making in the coming months.

At each event that the Partnership attends they give out fun and useful promotional materials including bags, pens, balloons, lanyards and snap bands. For example, the Safer Havant snap bands are reflective for use when cycling or walking in the evening. Please remember that these gifts are not toys and are not supposed to be taken apart or used for any other purpose.

Blackberrys for Safer Neighbourhood Teams Officers

Safer Neighbourhood Team Officers across the Havant Borough have been issued with new Blackberry mobile data devices. The Blackberrys have been issued to allow police staff to stay out on patrol more, whilst remaining in contact with community members and partner agencies. Follow the link below for more information on the Safer Neighbourhood Teams:

Link to further information on your local Safer Neighbourhood Team >>

Police summer success with anti-social behaviour campaign

Sergeant Simon Watts gave an update on Hampshire Constabulary's recent crackdown on anti-social behaviour: 'The summer anti-social behaviour campaign has now ended and the results show a significant decrease in the number of incidents recorded over the borough of Havant compared with last summer. Anti-social behaviour includes rowdy and nuisance incidents, criminal damage and vehicle nuisance. As a result of positive contributions from the whole Safer Havant Partnership the level of anti-social behaviour has decreased by a creditable 5.32%. The task is now to take what has been learnt from the summer campaign and continue to target anti-social behaviour thus further improving the quality of life of the residents of Havant borough.'

Safer Havant Partnership - Having Fun, Feeling Safe

The Safer Havant Partnership's 'Feel Safe, Have Fun' day was a great success on the 12th of August at the ASDA Visitor to the Safer Havant Partnership's Feel Safe, Have Fun day supercentre in Bedhampton.

More than a thousand people engaged with the representatives of twenty community safety agencies including the police, fire service, neighbourhood watch and local authority, who were there to inform the community about safety and crime prevention and what the partnership is doing to reduce crime across the borough.

The partnership’s friendly lion mascot Peelers was there to entertain the children and offer a friendly approach to the younger members of the community. Performances from Soul-Vant, a local boy's dance group and from the Fire Service took place throughout the day and there was the opportunity to look around a working fire engine and the police CCTV van.

Councillor Lenaghan, portfolio holder for health and wellbeing said: 'I am delighted to have witnessed this event for myself and the efforts that the partnership team have gone to, to engage with the community on important topics of safety and having fun! The interaction with the community on showing how our services are working together to provide a safer community for everyone in the borough is highly commendable.' Follow the link below for a full evaluation of the event:

Link to a full evaluation of the 'Feel Safe, Have Fun event >>

Do you know where your kids are this summer?

Police representative at a Safer Havant community engagement event As part of a county-wide initiative to tackle anti-social behaviour issues throughout Hampshire, this summer Havant Police will be working even harder to tackle these issues throughout the borough.

Inspector Rob Mitchell of Havant police said: ‘We recognise that anti-social behaviour can play a major part in affecting the quality of life of our residents. With that in mind, the Constabulary has anticipated a need to pool resources during this campaign and to target those resources where they will be most needed'.

'Within Havant we work with our partners all year round to reduce incidents of anti social behaviour and know our priority areas through listening to community feedback received by our neighbourhood teams. With additional help from officers and staff from non frontline roles, officers will get involved with a whole range of activities including:

• Assessing the levels of graffiti and criminal damage in local neighbourhoods
• Giving crime prevention advice to local residents
• Leafleting
• Special Constabulary and volunteer recruitment events
• Police patrols

A leaflet has been produced to compliment the campaign with guidance for parents and carers during the holidays. Although there is a rise in anti social behaviour during the school holidays, it can't all be accredited to young people as many people from all age groups can be involved in such behaviour. However, there will be some young people who may not realise that some activities can cause distress and alarm to other people. The leaflet will help parents in giving guidance so that children can be children and play safely and considerately. Follow the link below to view a copy of the new leaflet:

Link to the guide for parents to help prevent anti-social behaviour (PDF file) >>

Home Office name Safer Havant website as one of 'Ten of the Best'

The Safer Havant Partnership website has also been recognised nationally this week, after being handpicked by the Home Office as one of the ten best attempts in the country to get local residents involved in community safety. The website was praised at a conference attended by the Prime Minister and will be used as a good example throughout the county. Follow the link below to read the new Home Office Guide:

Link to Home Office document 'Ten of the Best' (PDF file) >>

Person filling in form

You Said...We did! Citizen's Panel Results

The results from the Havant Borough Council Citizen's Panel survey are in and the Safer Havant Partnership have been deciding how they should tackle your community safety concerns. Follow the link below to learn more about what the 1000 Havant Borough residents thought about community safety issues in their local area and the Safer Havant Partnership's response to these results.

Link to Citizen's Panel results and the Partnership's response >>

External link to Havant Borough Council's Community Safety Citizen's Panel report >>

2500th visitor logs on to Safer Havant site!

More than 2,500 local residents have visited the new interactive Safer Havant Partnership website for information and advice on crime and anti-social behaviour in their area.

Since the re-launch in 2008 of www.saferhavant.co.uk there has been a sharp rise in numbers of residents using the site for updates on crime, as well as using the monthly opinion poll to determine what priorities the partnership should focus on.

Councillor Andy Lenaghan, portfolio holder for Health and Wellbeing said: 'It is important that we listen to our residents on community safety issues. Collectively we need to work together with partners and residents to reduce crime and ensure residents feel safe in their neighbourhoods. We have taken significant strides against crime in the borough and we now need to keep up the momentum.'

Out and about with Waterlooville North Safer Neighbourhood Team

On the weekend of the 30th and 31st of May Waterlooville North Safer Neighbourhoods team carried out two property marking events in conjunction with Neighbourhood Watch.

These events were very successful with over forty bicycles being marked, together with various other valuables inc Community Safety lion and competition winners luding laptops, cameras, garden tools and golf equipment.

Lion competition is a roaring success

The Safer Havant Partnership would like to present their newest staff member… Peelers the Community Safety lion! We recently ran a competition for under 12s to find a name for the lion and chose ‘Peelers’ from the many interesting and original entries.

The winner was eight year old Sam May of Waterlooville, who told us that his inspiration for the lion’s new name came from Sir Robert Peel, the founder of the British police force. Sam said that like the ‘first British policeman, he can also keep his eyes peeled for crime’.

Sam and his family came to visit Peelers and the team at Havant Borough Council, where he was presented with his prize of a digital camera and a family day ticket to Staunton Country Park.

Peelers will be attending local events across the borough, helping the team to promote community safety to young people and build safer, more caring communities.

Spotlight on the Safer Havant Partnership: Inspector Robert Mitchell

Inspector Robert Mitchell, the new Police Inspector for the Havant sector, has produced an update on his current priorities and the work of the Safer Neighbourhood Teams for readers of the Safer Havant Partnership website. Follow the link below to find out more about Inspector MItchell's aims for the future.

Link to an update from Hampshire Constabulary's Inspector Robert Mitchell >>

Community Safety Team win Parchment Award 3rd of April 2009!

The Havant Borough Council Community Safety Team, who facilitate the work of the Safer Havant Partnership, have been awarded the Achievement Award at Havant Borough Council's yearly Parchment Awards ceremony. The team were nominated by colleagues at Havant Borough Council whose comments on the team included 'community minded', 'regional leaders in their field…raised the profile of the Council' and 'showed dedication and enthusiasm in improving community safety'.

Havant District Pubwatch launch new website

Dozens of pubs in the Havant and Waterlooville areas have joined a scheme which will make it easy for bar staff to identify known troublemakers.

Called Havant District Pubwatch, the website will assist in bringing the local Pubwatch community together.

On 12th January 2009, a presentation and proposal at Havant Borough Council was put forward to licensees showing how this idea could be put forward and how it could benefit the local community. A unanimous and positive response was given and six weeks later, the first part of the website was launched showing members of the public what Havant District Pubwatch is all about.

Another part of the site, a secure section reserved for licensees, was designed and at the press conference on 1st April 2009 held at the Crown Hotel in Emsworth, licensees were given full access.

The secure members' section has information only for licensees, including details of people banned from pubs, access to CCTV footage and easy communication features built into the site. Follow the link below to access the public section of the website:

External link to the Havant District Pubwatch website >>

Accredited Community Safety Officers are working with the community to make a Safer Havant.

Accredited Community Safety Officers

The Accredited Community Safety Officers (ACSOs) are working in your local area to help and advise you on community issues and concerns. The first ACSOs were put into place in 2004 to help tackle community safety issues such as anti-social behaviour and youth nuisance. The Havant team now consists of eight officers who work hard to serve their local community, giving help, information and advice on issues which affect your everyday quality of life.

Link to more information on the work of the Accredited Community Safety Officers >>

101 becomes police non-emergency number

From April 1, 2009, 101 will become a police-only non-emergency number in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Members of the public will now be able to call 101 for all non-emergency contact with Hampshire Constabulary. This includes the reporting of crime as well as anti-social behaviour issues, leaving a message for an officer or member of staff, and general advice and information.

Chief Constable Alex Marshall said: “Providing an excellent and accessible service to the public is one of the six priorities laid out in the policing plan, and the main purpose of the 101 number is to make public services more accessible for non-emergency situations. On average 12,000 calls a month were made to 101 last year. This, to me, shows that we are providing a valuable and sought-after service to our communities.”

While call charges for the 0845 045 4545 number can vary significantly depending on the provider the caller is using, a call to 101 only costs a flat rate of 10p per call, irrespective of call duration or whether made from landlines or mobile phones. Calls to 101 are free from public phone boxes.

Autism Awareness card launched

Autism Alert Card

Havant Borough Council is working in partnership with the Hampshire Autistic Society to publicise the new Autism Alert Card, which can be carried by anyone with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The card is designed to be shown if an individual finds themselves in a situation where they cannot easily explain their behaviour. Staff from Havant Borough Council who regularly come into contact with members of the public received training to help them to work sensitively with anyone with the condition. For further information on the Hampshire Autistic Society or the Autism Awareness card please call 023 8063 3951 or follow the link below:

External link to Hampshire Autistic Society website >>

Safer Havant Partnership Leigh Park Community Engagement mornings

Safer Havant Partnership Community Engagement morning Representatives of a number of agencies including Hampshire Constabulary, Havant Borough Council, Hampshire Fire and Rescue and Portsmouth City Council delivered over 900 Community Safety information packs to residents of Leigh Park on the 18th of March.

The packs contained information and advice about a whole range of topics, from dealing with anti-social behaviour to help with disabilities and watching out for vehicle crime. The team will be out delivering on three more occasions throughout March and April. Thanks to all those who attended for their help and support. Chief Inspector Will Schofield

Hampshire Constabulary update

Chief Inspector Will Schofield is the District Police Commander for Havant and

Waterlooville and is the current Vice-Chair of the Safer Havant Partnership. Chief Inspector Schofield has written an update on police activity and partnership working for visitors to the Safer Havant Partnership website.

Follow the link below to read Chief Inspector Will Schofield's full update

Link to Chief Inspector Schofield's update >>

Waterlooville North Community Engagement event

Community Engagement event in Fulmer Walk, Wecock On Thursday 19th February Waterlooville North Safer Neighbourhoods Team along with staff from Portsmouth City Council, Havant Borough Council, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service and Hampshire Youth Service, held a community engagement day in Fulmer Walk, Wecock Farm.

Members of the public were able to meet Police at the 'mobile police surgery' and staff from Havant Borough Council at their mobile trailer. A number of activities for young people were held at the nearby Wecock Church on Eagle Avenue including FREE face painting and bouncy castles.

A number of door to door surveys were completed and the information gained Waterlooville North Safer Neighbourhoods Team Community Engagement Day Fulmer Walk, Wecock Farm will be used to help target Police patrols in the area, deal with issues affecting the environment and enable Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service to provide home fire safety checks. Everyone completing a survey was entered into a prize draw with prizes donated by Asda Waterlooville and Havant Borough Council.

The day was very successful and the Waterlooville North Safer Neighbourhoods Team hope to hold further events like this in other areas of Wecock Farm later in the year. Follow the link below to learn more about your local Safer Neighbourhood Team:

Link to further information on your local Safer Neighbourhoods team >>