POLICE on the Isle of Wight have reacted swiftly to the results of a survey asking residents in the Bay area what types of crime they should be targeting their resources at.

The Policing Priorities Survey identified the public's top three priorities for the South Wight Neighbourhoods Policing Team (SWNPT) to tackle this year — namely violent crime, drug supply and abuse and anti-social behaviour, which are on the rise.

The survey also identified council tax payers want to see more of the team's officers out on patrol — particularly in Sandown, Lake, Shanklin and Ventnor — on foot and bicycle.

The survey even narrowed down patrolling to specific hot spot areas.

Isle of Wight County Press:

'Armed' with pre-emptive Section 35 dispersal authority from the duty inspector at the weekend, there were successes for the team.

It gave them powers to disperse groups causing, or likely to cause, anti-social behaviour and, if they are aged under-18, they can be sent to their home addresses. 

If warnings are then flouted, offenders can be arrested and prosecuted at the police's discretion.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Read: Groups cause anti-social behaviour in Ventnor and Sandown

During the early hours yesterday (Saturday) in Ventnor town centre, officers successfully dispersed a group of around 50, who were reportedly causing a disturbance in Pound Lane.

While the team had a quiet patrol in Shanklin, it was busy in Sandown.

The SWNPT deployed seven officers on foot in Sandown last Friday night and came across 16 young people, aged 14 to 16 years, causing anti-social behaviour.

Police detained half the group, and them a notice, warning if any of them entered Sandown last weekend, they would be arrested, with a possible prosecution.

Isle of Wight County Press:

The public reacted favourably to the police's first report of action, posted on Facebook.

Debi Reed said: "It's good to know there is some intensive neighbourhood policing being done to address the anti-social behaviour," while Magz Perry echoed her sentiments by saying: "Well done on a very successful night. I hope you will continue to deal with large groups of youths in the same way. I hope the courts will back you."

Some of those who commented sounded almost relieved by the police action taken.
Samantha Vincent said: "We are all eternally grateful," while Joy Wood added: "Thank you for keeping us safe."

Others were delighted to see police having a visible presence again.

"Great to hear there are still bobbies on the beat. This the most effective way to deal with anti-social gatherings and behaviour," commented Boris Moscoff.

Sgt Sharland responded to the results of the policing survey by assuring those living in the Bay area they would be kept updated of progress throughout the year — and that he welcomed their feedback.

"Our commitment is to make every effort to concentrate our resources on these priorities, along with our two self-elected priorities of domestic abuse and child-centred policing," Sgt Sharland said. 

"You will see an increase in visible patrols with PCs and PCSOs across Sandown, Lake, Shanklin and Ventnor."

  • If you see anti-social behaviour, crime or disorder across the Bay area, the police urge the public to call them on 101, or use online reporting, but call 999 if there is an immediate risk to life or property.