Winchester News Online
Winchester Rangers recover £31,000 of stolen goods
Over £31,000 worth of goods have been recovered from offenders since the launch of Winchester Business Improvement District’s ‘BID Rangers Scheme’.
This November marked the second year of the scheme that was put in motion in 2018 with the goal of reducing business crime and making Winchester City a safer place for workers, residents and visitors.
Jane Bastock, Business Crime Reduction Manager at Winchester BID, told Winol: “We are exceptionally proud of the Winchester BID Rangers scheme, which continues to be extremely well received by the local business community two years on.
“We regularly receive positive feedback about the scheme from businesses.”
Provided by Venture Security, the Rangers work closely with Hampshire Constabulary, Winchester City Council and other partner organisations to reduce low level crime, anti-social behaviour and provide additional security in the city centre.
During the first national lockdown in March, the Rangers played a crucial role in keeping an eye on closed business premises and offering assistances to businesses that stayed open.
Sara Howe, General Manager at Venture Security told Winol: “We are very pleased with the Winchester BID Rangers Scheme and the impact it has had on the city for the benefit of the businesses, residents and visitors alike.”
Over the past two years, the Rangers have become a critical presence for a variety of incidents, attending a total of 3,573 incidents in the last year alone.
Kelly Venus, Vice Chair of Winchester Shopwatch and Manager at Pavilion, told Winol: “The Rangers are a valuable and useful resource to businesses, attending and assisting with persistent shoplifters and anti-social behaviour in the city.
“Their presence assists in deterring criminal activity and provides reassurance to both businesses and members of the public.”
A man threw a chair and threatened bystanders in the centre of Gosport on Friday.
Police say the man, who was behaving aggressively, threw the chair on the ground and shouted threats at nearby shoppers before running away. No one was injured.
It happened just before noon, outside a Greggs Bakery on the High Street.
Hampshire Police say the man was white, bald and in his late 40s. He was wearing a baseball cap and a grey hoodie.
Officers are asking anyone who saw the incident to contact them.
Twelve people were arrested after 350 anti-migrant protestors clashed with police overnight in Gosport following reports of a small boat landing in the area.
A small number of officers needed medical treatment following the protests near Walpole car park.
Assistant Chief Constable Simon Dodds said: “Violence and criminal damage have no part in peaceful protest, our position on this has been clear that we will investigate thoroughly and take robust action against anyone responsible.
“Our officers did not deserve to be assaulted as they worked incredibly diligently on Sunday to ensure the safety of everyone in the area.”
Police had banned face coverings and had issued a dispersal order ahead of the protests across Gosport.
Those arrested were held on suspicion of assaulting officers or being drunk and disorderly.
The protest marks an increase in tensions within the UK after protests at Portsmouth, Taunton, Basingstoke and Glasgow in recent months.
Gosport Reform UK councilor Paul Carter told GB News: “If you think about this last night, no one really knew what was happening… I think a lot of people are really worried.”
People in Romsey are being warned that the town’s recycling centre will be closing for a month for repairs.
The closure of Casbrook recycling centre will take place from 12 October to 12 November.
The council says that repairs are essential to keep the site safe, after heavy vehicles damaged the tarmac beneath waste containers.
Councillor Kirsty North, Hampshire County Council’s deputy leader, said: “We are investing in essential improvements to preserve the surface of Casbrook HWRC (Bunny Lane) and ensure the facility continues to serve residents safely and effectively for many years to come.
“I thank residents for their patience during these works and confirm that capacity is available at nearby HWRCs to ensure residents that usually use Bunny Lane, can still dispose of their waste during this time.”
Locals have been advised to use alternative centres in Winchester and Eastleigh while the repairs take place.
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