Old Portsmouth blighted by nuisance behaviour for years but tide could be turning
Locals have reported unruly behaviour when it’s sunny
With another looming heatwave locals in Old Portsmouth are prepared for more anti-social behaviour from a minority of “troublemakers” - despite progress seemingly being made to the hotspot.
During the late May Bank Holiday weekend a dispersal order was issued and then extended by police after 150 young people - many of whom were drinking in the 30C sunshine - turned to “aggressive” and “intimidating” behaviour.
On that occasion a large number of individuals surrounded officers and police vehicles, with some attempting to force open police car doors.
CCTV pictures from Hotwalls showed the large number of police vehicles that were required to tackle the anti-social behaviour and engage with the young people.
Videos were also shared on social media of bad behaviour, with a number of young people intoxicated by alcohol. This included one of a woman pointlessly taking a rucksack out of a council vehicle and throwing it on the floor while workers cleaned the nearby toilets.
Eight people were issued with section 35 orders under the dispersal powers. The orders allow officers to direct anyone involved in anti-social behaviour or criminality to leave the designated area and to not return for up to 48 hours
As well as issues with antisocial behavior, the high volume of visitors also resulted in overflowing litter bins and rubbish, as well as shortfalls in the busy public toilets facilities near busier areas of the city such as Canoe Lake and Southsea Common.
Police and Portsmouth City Council work together to tackle problem areas over the spring and summer months as part of ‘Operation Nautical’, with increased patrols among the measures as well as dispersal orders giving police additional powers to move people from trouble spots.
And since that weekend in May there have not been any major incidents or dispersal orders deployed - as police maintain a visible presence in the area that has been a problem spot for years in the summer months.
Residents are being urged to “make a stand” and report any nuisance behaviour following Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week last week.
Locals spoken to by The News expressed minor irritation with the issues in Old Portsmouth but are now hardened to them. Hollie Thornley, who runs her ceramic studio Follie at Hotwalls, said “other (traders) get anxious” about anti-social behaviour when it is hot but said she personally “had no problems”.
“Teenagers hang around, it can be a bit intimidating and others feel scared. On the beach and in the toilet are where there are more problems,” Hollie said.
But the tight-knit traders in this historic location are well versed in reacting to unruly behaviour. “Matt (Humphrey), the artist studios development manager, says any time we see a large congregation we should call the police and then they come,” Hollie said.
During late June’s heatwave Hollie said there were no issues with things “a lot better”. The trader, referring to an incident during the May Bank Holiday, said she had seen the video of a rucksack being taken from a council vehicle and “chucked” when they were clearing the toilets.
Sandra and Melvin Thomas, 72 and 75 respectively, said they had heard about issues in the area. “It’s a shame for the people of Old Portsmouth,” they said.
But living near Fratton Park they were no strangers to anti-social behaviour during match days. “There’s a lot of noise and you might get beer cans being thrown into your front garden. The police will approach people to calm things down if needed but things are more gentle now,” they said.
And Sally said she knows how to report any disturbances. “I’ve spoken to the council about matters but if things are really bad I would go to the police. We have a good neighbourhood,” she said.
Resident Sheila Salman, 65, said: “A lot of kids come over and make a lot of noise but only when it is sunny and during the daytime.
“It gets rowdy by the sea and can be unacceptable but it doesn’t really get on my nerves.”
She said “parking problems” with people parking on kerbs and littering are more of a nuisance for her.
Another local said: “There’s been a few issues with the volume of young kids. They don’t do too much wrong, 90 per cent are nice. But there’s a small element of older kids who turn up and you can tell they want to cause trouble.
“They turn up with bottles of beer and throw them and leave broken glass everywhere. I don’t feel uneasy. If you show you are intimidated they have succeeded.
“They could go to lots of other places but the whole reason for coming here is they want to be seen. There’s a perfectly good beach past the Square Tower but for some reason it’s not opened up. If it was then the kids could go there. It’s strange and completely unnecessary.”
Chief Inspector Sam Warne said after the May Bank Holiday: “The vast majority were well behaved and simply enjoying the warm weather. However, a small number of them engaged in anti-social and criminal behaviour, requiring dispersal powers to be implemented.
“During these times, the atmosphere quickly escalated and a large number of individuals surrounding officers and police vehicles, with some attempting to force open the police car doors. This behaviour was aggressive and intimidating and additional units were called.
“We also identified that a large proportion of those present were consuming alcohol, with many clearly intoxicated. This is not only an offence but places young people at increased risk of harm and vulnerability, including becoming victims of crime.
“This type of behaviour is completely unacceptable will not be tolerated.”
CI Warne added: “I have no particular desire to ruin 'fun' or bring young people to formalised police involvement but we are prepared to and will take action.
“We want young people to enjoy public spaces safely and responsibly. The actions of a small minority will not be allowed to put others at risk or undermine the safety of our communities. We will be there again today and capable of providing the response needed.”
Hampshire police said it was “delighted” to support Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Awareness Week, with the aim to “raise awareness” and “encourage communities to take a stand and to highlight the help that is available to those facing it.”
“Anti-social behaviour is conduct that causes, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm, distress, nuisance or annoyance to others. It can take many forms and often can be part of a criminal offence. We take all reports extremely seriously,” a spokesperson added.
ASB, Business Crime & Problem-Solving Police Sergeant Chris Collins said: “I want to be clear – we take all reports of anti-social behaviour extremely seriously because we know the impact it has on all our communities.
“Our officers work hard all year round and will always look to make use of the powers that we have at our disposal to help tackle and reduce ASB in your area.
“When appropriate, we can authorise dispersal orders, carry out dedicated ASB patrols, and work with partners and the courts to secure closure orders on nuisance properties.
“Our teams also work tirelessly to provide the relevant evidence so the courts can hand out Criminal Behaviour Orders to help persistent offenders limit their offending.”
Sgt Collins added: “I hope you can see from our recent work across all districts that tackling ASB is a priority and something that we are passionate about reducing.
“We have dedicated officers and teams in all areas and in recent weeks we have secured multiple closure orders, carried out countless dedicated patrols, and seized nuisance vehicles.
“But this work doesn’t stop. Throughout the summer we will continue to work with the local community and our partners to make your areas a safe place for people to live, work and visit.
“Unfortunately, we know that some people don’t report anti-social behaviour when they see it or experience it. Please know that every report you make helps us to take action, and we are better able to tackle these problems when people report what is happening within their community, so please tell us.”
HOW TO REPORT ASB
For police information on anti-social behaviour go to: Antisocial behaviour | Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary
If you see or experience any anti-social behaviour that may be causing a risk to yourself or someone else, or which you think may be a crime, call police on 101, or report online: Report antisocial behaviour | Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary. In an emergency always call 999.
And it isn’t just the police that have powers to tackle ASB. Read more here about how other partners can help you as well: Recognising & Reporting ASB FINAL.pdf
Here is information for parents, carers and guardians to help keep children and young people safe: Parent/Carers – Safe4Me
For activities for young people in Hampshire, please see a link to the Families Magazine, which has great options across all areas: