Hampshire police warns New Milton residents against vigilante plans after Eastlands estate group formed
POLICE are warning "frustrated" residents not to set up vigilante-style groups to tackle crime, saying it puts them at risk.
New Milton police Sergeant Kat Smith was reacting to news that people living on the Eastlands estate had set up a "security watch" to combat crime in their neighbourhood.
Appealing for residents to join the group on its Facebook page, Eastlands Security Watch, a statement by the group said: “If you live on Eastlands, please consider joining this group.
“The intention is to make an active and physical presence on the street when there is rumour of van break-ins and burglary in the area.
“A group for people looking out for the security and safety of Eastlands residents.”
According to comments on the page, members have already taken to patrolling the streets, with one saying: “I figure that next time there is rumour of scumbag activity in the area, we could take to the streets to show an active physical deterrent to the thieving lowlifes.
"There is only one road in and out as we all know so it shouldn't be too hard to keep an eye out!”
According to the website Streetcheck, 22 reported crimes took place within half a mile of the Eastlands' estate postcode.
But Sgt Smith warned people not to organise their own crime-fighting groups, saying: “We would urge local residents not join any local vigilante groups as this may place themselves, and others, at increased risk of physical harm.
“We appreciate that local communities are getting increasingly more and more frustrated with thefts from motor vehicles and burglaries – especially considering the impact it has on their livelihoods, but please be reassured that our officers always seek to take every available opportunity to review all reasonable lines of enquiry when incidents and crimes are reported directly to us.
"This ensures that we are in a position to conduct a thorough investigations with a view to bringing offenders to justice.”
Instead she advised residents to report crimes or suspicious behaviour by calling 101 or online.
She said: “Every online report that residents submit or every call into our 101 service that residents make, allows us as a neighbourhood policing team to build up a bigger picture of crime in the area, which in turn allows us to take appropriate action, increase routine patrols in hot spot areas and help protect our communities from harm.”
She also asked people not to publish photos of suspects on social media or name them.
Sgt Smith said: “Doing so, this may jeopardise any possible identification procedures as well as any subsequent investigation.
“I would implore all residents to continue reporting any suspicious incidents or crimes to the police, and by providing any key evidence such as CCTV imagery, as this all supports our active patrol plans and ongoing investigations, allowing us to bring those responsible to justice.”
