Police in Portsmouth continue to focus efforts on city centre during Business Crime Week of Action
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Portsmouth’s City Centre team has been continuing its work to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in the Commercial Road and Guildhall Walk areas of the city.
To mark the first day of the National Business Crime Centre’s week of action targeting business crime yesterday (Monday 17 October), PCs and PCSOs were on patrol across the city centre targeting offenders, illegal traders and anti-social behaviour relating to vehicles, e-scooters and bikes.
Officers arrested a 17-year-old boy in the Guildhall Walk area who was found in possession of a pair of bolt croppers and bicycle that was suspected to be stolen. He was arrested on suspicion of going equipped for theft or burglary and theft of a bike. He has since been released from police custody but remains under investigation while our enquiries continue.
Officers recovered the bike, pictured, and are now appealing to the public in order to return it to its rightful owner. If this bike is yours or you know who it might belong to please call 101 quoting 44220421933 or contact us via our website.
Police Constable Mike Ashcroft, of the Portsmouth City Centre team, said: “The City Centre team’s key areas of focus are to reduce offending and anti-social behaviour in the Commercial Road and Guildhall Walk areas, while providing a visible presence to reassure and support residents and businesses.
“We encourage anyone with concerns to approach us when you see us patrolling. We are more than happy to stop and speak to you about any issues you may be experiencing or questions you may have.
“We will continue our dedicated patrols, both uniformed and plain clothes, to ensure that Portsmouth City Centre is a hostile place for criminals to operate within.”
If you or your business has been the victim of a crime then please report this to us via 101 or at our website: www.hampshire.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/
If you have been affected by business crime you can find support and advice at the following links:
https://www.hampshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/victim-support/victim-witness-support/