New Forest police invite public for a stroll in Walking in Partnership event at Bolderwood

Police officers have defended their idea to take a Forest stroll with members of the public after some claimed they should instead be fighting crime.

A member of the New Forest Neighbouring Policing Team is joining forces with representatives from Forestry England and the national park authority on a three-mile stroll starting at Bolderwood car park on Thursday.

An invitation to the walk posted online stated: “If you are a solo walker or someone who doesn’t feel comfortable walking alone, this 3-mile circular walk gives you the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the New Forest with a walking group.”

It said an officer would “talk about personal safety tips and further afield, listen to your thoughts and concerns”.

But the initiative did not impress everyone, with one saying: “Meanwhile crime detection in the New Forest is so low most people have given up on the police solving crimes and prosecuting offenders.”

Another added: “Does it really need the police? Surely Forestry England and the national park [authority] is enough. Taxpayers’ money is paying for police to walk around the Forest.

“Wish my boss would pay me to walk around the Forest for the day. I find this a bit of a joke.”

A further comment read: “I really hope it works for some people who don't feel comfortable going out alone, but I see it as a waste of money/police time.”

However, others congratulated the police. One local said: “Part of policing is information gathering. This is a great way of connecting with the community.”

Another commenter said it would help women in particular feel safer. “A great way to find out information from the community, to give opportunities to women who want to walk but feel vulnerable in those type of places and those who are alone - can only be a positive initiative to gain trust of the community,” they said.

A spokesperson for New Forest Police defended the walk: “This event is very much a beat surgery on the move, in addition to our other community events we hold across the district.

“The Walking In Partnership initiative provides people with an opportunity to speak with their local officer, ask questions, share concerns, discuss any issues affecting them and receive crime prevention advice. This also provides an opportunity to speak with and ask questions of Forestry England.

“We have lots of officers across our various teams and departments. As well as community events, our officers from the neighbourhood policing teams, district policing teams, neighbourhood enforcement team, priority crime team, and others, are also concentrating their efforts on areas affected by crime and ASB, and responding to reported criminality.”

The walk starts at 10am.