Community safety patrol officers at Basingstoke and Deane Borough have launched a ‘Safer Summer’ campaign aiming to tackle antisocial behaviour during the summer months. 

The campaign will encourage people to be considerate of others as COVID restrictions lift and opportunities to get out and about in the borough increase. 

Officers will focus on five key areas during the campaign – littering, fires and barbecues in open spaces, new parks and play areas, responsible use of alcohol and encouraging residents to remain cautious and respect others following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions. 

Warmer weather and school holidays often result in increased incidents of antisocial behaviour and with COVID-19 restrictions eased from 19 July, the council hopes that the campaign will highlight ways to enjoy the summer while remaining respectful of others. 

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Planning and Infrastructure Cllr Simon Bound said: “We have identified community safety as a key priority in our latest Council Plan and while we want to encourage our residents go out and enjoy all the borough has to offer, we also want them to be considerate of others, to exercise caution and continue to take actions to keep everyone safe. 

“To do this, our community safety patrol officers will work closely with communities and carry out high visibility patrols around the borough throughout the summer offering advice, providing reassurance and taking steps to prevent irresponsible and unsafe behaviour. 

“We must also remember that COVID-19 hasn’t gone away and it is important that we all continue to respect others when in public areas. Where our CSPOs come across disputes in public places in relation to COVID-19, they will continue to engage with individuals to encourage them to respect others.”

While incidents of antisocial behaviour should be reported to the police by calling 101, the council’s community safety patrol team aim to be responsive to resident’s concerns by increasing patrols in known trouble spots. They can be contacted by emailing cspo@basingstoke.gov.uk or by calling the borough council on 01256 844844.

Always call 999 in an emergency. 

ENDS