Havant MP Alan Mak joins Hayling police on patrol to show continued support for Local Bobby Scheme
Havant MP Alan Mak has been on patrol on Hayling Island to show his continued support for the Local Bobby Scheme which he campaigned for.
He met up with Sergeant Vitto Manetti, who has a new role managing community policing on the Island and also heads the Neighbourhood Policing Teams in Havant and Emsworth.
Sgt Manetti oversees Hayling's two Local Bobbies, PC Sam Allen and PC Dave Haigh, plus Police Community Support Officers Cam Kinsley and Mackenzie Anderson.
The Local Bobby Scheme was introduced by the last Conservative government and implemented in Hampshire in 2024.
The scheme ensures the public have access to a named and easily contactable police officer who is also a visible presence in the community. It supports Mr Mak’s objective of ensuring the police deliver visible, active local policing.
Sgt Manetti explained: "Local Bobbies engage with their communities so people know they have officers they can report concerns to. We work for them and alongside them.
"We look at issues such as shoplifting and anti-social behaviour, which tends to increase on the Island during the summer."
He added: "There's a lot of discourse online, especially on Facebook, about incidents but they're not being reported to the police. I would urge people to contact their Local Bobby so that we have the information and are able to investigate.
"Even if it's just a concern and not a crime, please get in touch."
Mr Mak said: "I want our police to be visible and active in the community, so I called on the last Conservative government and Hampshire Police to implement the Local Bobby Scheme.
"It was good to welcome Sergeant Manetti to his new role and go on patrol with him on Hayling. The Island now has two Local Bobbies and I urge residents to get to know them and contact them if they have any concerns about crime and anti-social behaviour."
To find out how to contact your Local Bobby by phone or email, go to www.AlanMak.org.uk/LocalBobby