Crime

Staff increase to combat violence at Winchester Prison

Published

9 years ago

16th January 2017

An increase in staff at Winchester Prison is set to improve care for inmates and working conditions for officers.

The planned rise in officers is part of a £14 million government initiative to provide over 400 extra staff for 10 prisons with some of the highest levels of violence and self-harm in England.

Ministry of Justice data shows that the Category B Winchester Prison had some of the highest regional figures for deaths among inmates in 2015 with three deaths and four suicides.

Due to a surge in violence, up to 10,000 prison officers in England stopped work since 2010, sparking an inspection in July 2016.

The Report on Announced Inspection of HMP Winchester July 2016, found there had been 209 recorded incidents of self-harm in the previous six months at Winchester Prison.

Author of the report, HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, Peter Clarke, found: “Recorded levels of bullying, assaults and fights had increased considerably and were all higher than at similar prisons.”

It also stated: “The level of self-harm had increased sharply and was now far higher than at other local prisons.”

One high-profile prisoner, Haydn Burton, a Fathers 4 Justice Campaigner, was found hanging in his cell in July 2015. His suicide led to an inquest that found more welfare checks could have prevented his death.

The prison suffers from a struggle to retain staff as a result of inadequate starting salaries – as low as £16,000pa – and unsafe working conditions due to attacks on officers as well as fighting between inmates.

Previous budget cuts combined with low staffing levels meaning prisoners are either left in their cells for too long, sometimes for up to 24 hours at a time, or are left unattended when out of their cells.

Ione Ashford, Chair of Friends of Winchester Prison charity, told WINOL: “This is something that has been going on for such a long time and I am delighted something is finally being done about it.

“The point is they need more staff to properly look after the prisoners,” added Ione, “so if they get more staff then they need to act upon it an ensure changes are made.”

When asked to comment, the new Governor of HMP Winchester, Stephanie Roberts-Bibby, said that no further information would be released until January 2017.

Crime

Police issue advice after linked burglaries in Chineham

Published

2 weeks ago

9th November 2025

Jade Edwards-Lowe

Officers are investigating two burglaries that happened on the same day in De Port Gardens, Chineham, Basingstoke.

According to Hampshire Constabulary, both incidents happened on Thursday, 23 October.

The first burglary took place between 9am and midnight, with items including a silver watch, gold and silver jewellery, and cash reported stolen.

The second occurred between 1.30pm and 10pm, during which cash, jewellery, and bags were taken.

Police believe the two burglaries are connected and are carrying out inquiries in the area.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101.

Police advice to local jewellers

Hampshire Constabulary is urging local jewellers – particularly those with high-value gold jewellery – to take extra precautions, as such items are often targeted by burglars.

Police recommendations:

– Investing in a safe and monitored alarm system.
– Ensuring doors and windows are locked and using light timers when out.
– Keeping an online inventory and photographs of jewellery via Immobilise.
– Booking a free home security survey with the Blue Lamp Trust on 0300 777 0157.
– Avoiding sharing details of holidays or absences on social media.

Suspicious activity can be reported by calling 101.

Crime

Hampshire police renew appeal in unsolved murder case, 36 years on

Published

4 weeks ago

22nd October 2025

Jade Edwards-Lowe

Detectives in Hampshire have renewed their appeal for information into the unsolved murder of Southampton jeweller Richard “Ricky” Haywood, who was killed in his flat above Ambiance Jewellers on Shirley Road, Totton, on 16 October 1989.

Mr Haywood, 36, was shot multiple times inside his home.

Despite decades of investigation, no one has been charged in connection with his murder.

Case eeopened & New Evidence Reviewed

The investigation was reopened in 2024, with Hampshire Constabulary reviewing:

Thousands of reports and witness statements
Fresh interviews with over 200 people linked to the original investigation

Police say an anonymous tip submitted to Crimestoppers in 2004, once considered minor, now forms part of a broader intelligence picture that could be crucial in solving the case.

“When we received this information back in 2004 it was just one fragment which, alone, didn’t add much to the investigation. However, together with new information we’ve gathered, it is now starting to build a clearer picture.” – Det Insp Elizabeth Brunt, senior investigating officer

Appeal for Information

Investigators are asking the person who made the 2004 tip – or anyone who recognises the details – to come forward.

Contact Hampshire Police: 101, quoting Operation Tango
Contact Crimestoppers anonymously: 0800 555 111

Those providing information can remain completely anonymous.

Crimestoppers is offering a £20,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

“After more than four decades, someone out there still holds the final piece of information that could help deliver justice for Ricky and closure for his loved ones. We know that silence can come from fear or loyalty, but Crimestoppers provides a completely safe way to share what you know without ever revealing your identity.” – Beth Simpson, south central west regional manager, Crimestoppers

Possible accomplices & wider appeal

Police believe Mr Haywood’s killer may have had at least one accomplice, and that some people with vital knowledge may now live outside Hampshire.

Media outlets across the region are helping spread the appeal, encouraging anyone with information to come forward.

Family awaiting answers

After 36 years, Ricky Haywood’s family are still waiting for answers.

Police say that with ongoing investigations and new evidence being reviewed, they are closer than ever to uncovering what happened that night in Totton.