OFFICER presence in Fareham is set to be boosted this festive period as police look to combat anti-social behaviour in the area.

Between November 26 and December 24, Fareham's Neighbourhood Policing Team will carry out additional high visibility patrols throughout the town centre.

It comes after a number of concerns were raised by the public about anti-social behaviour.

Working in partnership with Fareham Borough Council’s Community Safety Team and Fareham StreetAid, officers already patrol the town centre regularly.

However, they will now be looking to address anti-social crime such as begging, theft, shoplifting, and drug-related anti-social behaviour. Possession of drugs or intent to supply offences will also be addressed by the team.

Chief Inspector Sharon Woolrich said: ““We have a number of powers to tackle anti-social behaviour and these include: community resolutions, dispersal orders, fixed penalty notices, acceptable behaviour contracts, and criminal behaviour orders.

“These additional patrols are part of the work we are undertaking with Fareham Borough Council’s Community Safety Team, Fareham StreetAid, and other partners to address anti-social behaviour in the town centre.

"I’d encourage anyone who has encountered these types of issues in Fareham to speak to our officers while they are on patrol.

"This will help all the partner agencies involved to build a comprehensive picture of what is happening in the town centre.

“It’s also important that people report issues to us by calling 101, this will help us to target our patrols and respond accordingly in the town centre.

“We’re working closely with our colleagues from Fareham Borough Council who have recently introduced specific opening hours for their car parks to deter anti-social behaviour, and who have been funding extra beds at the Two Saints homeless hostel over the winter months.

"In addition Fareham StreetAid has been set up to help some of the most vulnerable people in our communities”.