Police and Crime Commissioner reflects on first-year success of Local Bobby scheme

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Donna Jones, is celebrating the successful one-year anniversary of the Local Bobby scheme, an initiative that has re-connected the public with their local police officers to tackle crime and build trust.

The first ever scheme of its kind for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight was launched in January 2024. Officers’ names, email addresses and phone numbers are published on the force website for residents to find through a simple postcode search. It has provided every city, town and village in the force area with a named and contactable local police officer.

By assigning dedicated police officers to specific areas, the scheme has provided reassurance to communities who want to get in contact with the police, quickly and easily.

Over the last 12 months, the 99 Local Bobbies have been building relationships with local communities, prioritising crime prevention and providing swift responses to local concerns. Local Bobbies have been instrumental in handling anti-social behaviour, tackling local crime hotspots, and fostering trust with residents on the beat.

Donna Jones said: “When I launched the Local Bobby scheme, I promised to bring back the visible, accessible policing that people in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight wanted and needed.

“As your Police Commissioner I have been continually listening, learning and talking to thousands of people about the police service they receive.

“There is no doubt that back-to-basics neighbourhood policing makes your streets safer.  In 2024, neighbourhood crimes fell dramatically and overall crime continues to decline.

Now, as the scheme moves into its second year, the Commissioner has pledged to keep police visibility at the forefront of her mandate to deliver the police service communities expect.

“Over 90% of people who responded to my Police and Crime Plan consultation said they fully supported the Local Bobby scheme and wanted it to expand.

“It is vital communities have someone they trust to contact when they are concerned about an issue in their area.  It’s clear binging back local named police officers to serve you and your communities was the right thing to do, and it continues to be my focus in 2025.”

To find out who your Local Bobby is just visit Look up Local Neighbourhood Policing Team – Hampshire Alert

For more information about the Local Bobby scheme and other initiatives by PCC Donna Jones, visit Local Bobbies are back! – Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner

Key takeaways

Over 90% support

A total of 10,362 members of the public responded to the Commissioner’s consultation to inform her new Police and Crime Plan More Police, Safer Streets 2024-2028. Of those who responded, 92.2% (9,560) supported the introduction and expansion of the Local Bobby scheme.

Crime stats (ONS)

*HAMPSHIRE & IOW STATS* Percentage change year ending June 2024 compared to June 2023

• Total recorded crime: down 9%

DECREASES

• Violence against the person: down 10%
• Violence with injury: down 11%
• Violence without: down 6%
• Stalking and harassment: down 15%
• Sexual offences: down 6%
• Robbery: down 15%
• Burglary: down 13% Res: down 14% non res: down 12%
• Bicycle theft: down 30%
• Criminal damage: down 14%
• Public order: down 23%