New city centre policing team launched in Winchester

A new policing team dedicated to policing the centre of Winchester has been launched.

The Winchester City Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team started on Saturday 25 February.

The team, consisting two PCs and two PCSOs, with support from a Special Constable, will focus on reducing and preventing crime in the city centre, including issues relating to anti-social behaviour, business crime and the night-time economy.

They will look to build on existing relationships with partners such as the Winchester Business Improvement District (BID) and Winchester City Council.

Inspector John Stribley said: “I’m pleased that we have been able to set up this team to make sure Winchester city centre is a safer environment for people who live, work and visit here.

“We are always looking at how best we can serve the public and we have listened to local residents and businesses in setting this up. The city centre is a pretty unique environment within the district and it needs its own dedicated team.

“The officers will provide a visible presence, with regular patrols, and they will also work with partners to address wider issues in the city centre.”

The team will be based at the Mottisfont Court building in Tower Street. They will be supported by officers from other Winchester Neighbourhood Policing Teams, Response & Patrol officers based in Winnall and other specialist teams from across the force.

Jane Bastock, Winchester BID Business Crime Reduction Manager, said: “I am delighted to be working with the police city centre team who will be focussing on reducing business crime and anti-social behaviour in the city.

“This will provide additional support to our members, the local community and visitors to the city to make Winchester a safer place to work and visit."

Leader of Winchester City Council, Cllr Martin Tod said: “The City Council is always looking for ways to improve things in our centre and look forward to working with the new policing team.

“The City Council’s Neighbourhood Services Team, CCTV operators and wider council will be working closely to support them. The closer we work together, the better it is for Winchester.”