Operation to curb summer youth disorder and anti-social behaviour in Portsmouth to begin soon - extra patrols

Visible foot patrols will be increased as police are due to begin an anti-social behaviour operation soon.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary’s Operation Nautical is due to start tomorrow (May 1), its seasonal patrols throughout the brighter months. A social media statement said: “The operation will run every weekend, as well as throughout the week during the summer school holidays, focusing on keeping our communities safe over the busier months.”

Officers will be focusing on tackling youth disorder alongside general anti-social behaviour. Patrols will be focusing on hotspots in Southsea and Old Portsmouth. These include Southsea seafront, the area of South Parade Pier, Canoe Lake, and The Hotwalls.

Police community support officers and Portsmouth City Council wardens will join officers in keeping their eyes peeled for any trouble. “We’ll be patrolling on foot in high visibility clothing, on bicycles, and in marked vehicles across the Operation Nautical footprint,” the force added.

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“Please feel free to come and say hello to our officers and warden colleagues while they’re out on patrol. If you see anything you think may be linked to ASB or youth disorder, please report it. Thank you for your continued support and and as always stay safe.”

Police have had to issue dispersal orders in the past to stop trouble along the seafront. Covering a large area, these can be used to force large groups to move from certain places by police and not return for a period of up to 48 hours. Failing to comply can result in an arrest.

While the majority of residents enjoy the spring and summer sunshine responsibly, situations have turned ugly in the past. One disgusting incident in April 2025 saw teenagers throwing stones at smaller children at The Hot Walls. They also hurled abuse at beachgoers while drinking alcohol after they complained their music was too loud.

Last year, Portsmouth signed up to the Safer Streets summer crackdown in a bid to curb anti-social behaviour, wit extra officers on the beat.