This in from Hampshire Constabulary, in their own words. Ed
Calls to Hampshire Constabulary were down by 13.5 per cent on last year’s late May Bank Holiday, figures show.
The force received 9,850 calls to its enquiry centre and control room between Saturday and Tuesday, compared to 11,390 calls between May 28 and May 31, 2011.
Early indications show that overall crime was also down across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight during the four-day jubilee celebrations.
10% decrease in crime
Figures from Saturday and Sunday show a 10 per cent decrease in crime compared to the same period last year
There were approximately 500 licensed street parties and celebrations across the two counties over the four day holiday, mostly on the Sunday and Monday.
Officers dedicated to Jubilee policing
Approximately 520 police officers and around 130 Special Constables were dedicated to policing the jubilee celebrations, visiting street parties to meet with residents, provide visible reassurance and offer crime prevention advice.
Overall crime on Saturday and Sunday was down by 10 per cent compared to last year, with 613 incidents reported compared to 682 in 2011.
Rise in anti-social behaviour
Disappointingly, due to an increased number of gatherings across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, there were 97 more incidents of antisocial behaviour compared to May 27 to May 30 last year, a total of 1,206 this year.
Chief Superintendent Richard Rowland said: “I think overall it was a huge success from our point of view. Although we did see a rise in incidents of anti social behaviour, early indications from Saturday and Sunday show that crime overall was down.”
“Great response from public”
He went on to say, “We’ve had a great response from the public who really enjoyed seeing police officers at their events and I’m particularly pleased that people in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight had a fantastic time celebrating, as I did with my family.
“The long weekend’s festivities were a great opportunity to engage with the public on what was a really joyous occasion. It was a busy weekend for us, mostly due to visiting events and ensuring that they went off peacefully.
“It was clear to see that the public really entered into the spirit of the occasion.”
Image: James Bowe under CC BY 2.0
