Hampshire Constabulary have announced today that they will be reducing the number of front offices at police stations across the region, including on the Isle of Wight.
Currently, residents can call into Shanklin, Newport and Ryde police stations, but from April 2012, Shanklin will be closed to the public.
They say the changes are in response to the challenging budget cuts (they need to make savings of between £40million and £50m by 2015) and following an in-depth review conducted by the force into the way front office services are used by the public.
According to the results of the consultation Hampshire Constabulary say that “most of those surveyed said they would call or email to report a crime or make an enquiry. As a result, there will be increased investment made in developing smarter ways of contacting the force and accessing police services.”
Why Shanklin?
When the front office of Shanklin Police station re-opened last year after temporary closure due to staff sickness, Inspector Paul Savill said: “I would also like to reassure people that there are no current plans to close Shanklin police station.”
Many may be now asking why it has been chosen for closure.
We’re awaiting a comment on the decision from the Hampshire Constabulary and will update once we have that reply.
Report crime online
The announcement also states that by 2012 residents will also be able to report crime online and track the progress of the investigation without having to contact the investigating officer.
Opening times
From April 2012 front offices will be open as follows.
Newport: 9am – 6pm, 6 days a week (9.30am – 6pm Sun)
Ryde: 9am – 6pm, 6 days a week (9.30am – 6pm Sun)
