Welcome to the Southsea sector community news page. Here you can read about the latest work the Southsea sector has been up to to improve your area, and the latest tips we can give you to improve your personal safety.
Sector News - May 2011
One Punch Can Kill Campaign hits Portsmouth
People enjoying a night out in Portsmouth are being warned about the dangers of getting into a drunken fight, as the Safer Portsmouth Partnership launches a hard-hitting campaign to combat alcohol-fuelled violence across the city.
‘One Punch Can Kill’ aims to remind people that too much drink can turn a good night into a tragic disaster with potentially lethal consequences.
Pubs and Clubs in Portsmouth are supporting the campaign following the death of Kyle Bartlett. Tragically, on May 5th 2009, he was fatally injured during a fight inside a bar on Guildhall Walk.
His mother is now campaigning to reduce alcohol-related violence in Portsmouth’s bars, pubs and clubs. Ann Bartlett wants to educate young people in schools and colleges as well as licensees, bar staff and door staff.
Chief Inspector Dave Humphries leads on alcohol-related violence for the police in Portsmouth. He said: “I don’t think anyone ever leaves home on a Friday or Saturday night with the intention of killing someone.
“But if you get into a fight after a few drinks and throw a punch which ends up seriously wounding or killing someone else, could you live with yourself?
“Although rare, the two deaths related to alcohol in the city over the last two years are a sad but all too real reminder of the consequences of drink-fuelled violence.
“There’s no shame in walking away from trouble and persuading your mates to do so as well because throwing that punch is just not worth the risks.”
Click here to read the full article and find out more about the campaign.
Got a UPVC door? Make sure it's double locked!
If you’ve got a UPVC front or back door, ensure you lift the handle, turn the key fully and check it’s securely locked. Several homes have been broken into over the last few weeks.
The intruders were able to gain entry because the UPVC door at each home was not double locked. They’re able to reach raise the inside front door handle or to "pop" the lock by slipping a tool between the door and the frame.
Detective Sergeant Tony Lewis from Portsmouth’s Priority Crime team said: "The problem with UPVC doors comes because many don’t realise that simply pulling up the handle doesn’t secure it.
"Burglars have been known to put their arm or an implement through a letterbox or cat flap and pull the handle down to get in. Double-locking a UPVC door will prevent them from doing this.
"Keep the key in a safe place close to the door but not within reach or view from the letterbox. Make sure everyone knows where it is and plan an escape route so you can get out quickly in an emergency."
Trading Standards fight against Cold Calling
Are you being cold called? Trading Standards have recently set up a new project called Rapid Action Trading Standards, or RATS.
RATS is specifically aimed at tackling Cold Callers, and it is hoped that they can protect vulnerable members of the community by stopping Cold Callers altogether.
If you suspect there are cold callers operating in your area, or have any information that could help, please call Trading Standards on 02392 841295.
Cyclists get educated on Road Safety
In response to concerns that were raised about irresponsible cyclists, Safer Neighbourhoods teams joined forces with the Roads Policing unit torun two education and enforcement operations in cyclist hotspots across the city.
We recently submitted information about irresponsible cyclists to the Roads Policing unit, who ran a large scale operation in hotspots around the city that are heavily used by people in bikes.
In just two days, a fantastic 300 cyclists were stopped and spoken to about the dangers they could be putting themselves and others in by cycling without considering other people and their own safety.
PC Andy Frost said: "To help promote cycle safety in the city, hotspot areas such as the Hard were targeted. Cyclists were spoken to about the dangers they can cause others by riding on pavements, and the dangers they cause themselves by not wearing high visibility wear and safety gear. I hope that this advice was taken on, as it only takes a second for a pedestrian or vehicle to cross a cyclist's path.
"We are also distributing advice on cycle safety to everyone we can, to raise awareness and promote personal safety."
Get in Touch
We want to hear from you about any problems you would like us to address in your area. If you would like to speak to us, you can call 101 and ask for your local Safer Neighbourhoods team.
Alternatively, you can email Fratton station at the following address:
southsea.sector@hampshire.pnn.police.uk
You can also come and meet us at one of our 'beat surgeries', which are held on a regular basis at a number of locations in the area. Please click on the links below for further information on where you can meet your local officers.
St Judes Neighbourhoods team
Southsea Central Safer Neighbourhoods team
Eastney Safer Neighbourhoods team
Milton Safer Neighbourhoods team
