Page last updated at 10:58 GMT, Wednesday, February 8 2012

New river ‘watch’ scheme on the Hamble

Police will today launch a river version of the ‘neighbourhood watch’ scheme to encourage marine businesses and river workers to keep an eye out for criminal activity.

The scheme will be known as ‘Project Kracken – Hamble River’.
 
Safer Neighbourhoods Sergeant for the area George White said: “It’s hard to imagine any property more vulnerable to theft and vandalism than a boat left on a mooring or mud berth, possibly unvisited for long periods of time. A boat of whatever description is a likely target for the criminal.”
 
“Last year we recorded thefts of outboard motors, boats and in particular in the Hamble area the thefts of metal masts in large quantities.
 
“Working with the community who live and work on and around the Hamble we want to stop this sort of crime.
 
“We want to use the eyes and ears of local boat owners, boat users and professionals on both sides of the River Hamble in an innovative local scheme to prevent crime and reduce the fear of crime within the river’s environment.”
 
“Everyone can play a part in ensuring that the property belonging to the river users is protected and that information about suspicious activity is shared.”
 
The scheme is a partnership between the River Hamble boating communities and businesses, Hampshire Marine Unit and Local Safer Neighbourhood Teams supported by Eastleigh Borough Council.

It is based on the principles of Neighbourhood Watch and Pubwatch where members share information freely with each other and with the local police.

Businesses and organisations in the scheme will have ownership of it, supported by the Police, providing a benefit to themselves but also to the wider community.