North Baddesley residents raise concerns over crime levels in village

Councillors and the area’s MP are now calling for more visible policing and better responses to residents’ concerns.

North Baddesley residents have expressed concerns that crime levels have been increasing in the town, with frequent car break-ins, as well as allegations of drug dealing.

Councillor Amanda Ford, Independent for North Baddesley, said that residents were losing confidence in the system.

She said: "Every week I am hearing from residents who are worried about crime in our community. People are telling me they no longer report incidents because they feel ignored and unsupported.

"That is deeply concerning."

Councillor Ford continued: "Our community deserves better.

"I was proud to support the campaign to keep Romsey Police Station open for face-to-face reporting. Not everyone is able to report crime online, and relying solely on digital reporting risks discriminating against residents who do not use, or cannot use, the internet. We must ensure policing is accessible to everyone.

"North Baddesley is a strong community, but people need to feel safe in their own homes and streets.

"We need a commitment to real, visible policing and proper responses when concerns are raised."

Caroline Nokes, Conservative MP for Romsey and Southampton North, said that she would be willing to set up a public meeting between residents and Donna Jones, the Police and Crime Commissioner, so their concerns can be heard.

Ms Nokes said: "It is important that people feel confident reporting incidents and know that their concerns are being heard and acted upon once they have reported it.

(Image: Contributed)

"Last year, I held a useful public meeting with residents in Chilworth alongside Donna Jones to discuss local policing concerns.

"If there is similar demand from residents in North Baddesley, I would be very happy to facilitate a similar meeting.

"I want to see neighbourhood policing working effectively for communities across the constituency, and I will continue to raise concerns directly with the police whenever issues are brought to my attention."

Cllr Geoff Cooper, Lib Dem for North Baddesley, said his party is calling on the government to boost police funding, prioritise community policing, increase officers’ visibility and reopen more staffed front counters to the public.

He said: "We also urge the Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones, to reopen Romsey police station front desk to the public, which could be staffed by civilians, to ensure that it does not detract from the operational work of our professional and brave police officers and PSCOs."

A police spokesperson said: "We are aware of reports of theft from motor vehicles over the past few months, however these do not represent a sustained or unusual increase in reports.

"These reports have been targeted with evening patrols from the local neighbourhood policing team.

 "The Test Valley district continues to respond robustly in its approach to tackling drug-related harm, supported by targeted operations aimed at local offenders and disruption of criminal activity.

 "North Baddesley is covered by the response team based in Romsey, alongside dedicated neighbourhood officers and PCSOs. These resources have been in place for some time and are part of a comprehensive patrol model across the area.

 "We recognise that public perception of police visibility can vary, but this does not always reflect actual deployment or patrol activity. As always, our patrols are directed based on intelligence, demand, and risk.

 "We encourage people to continue reporting to us, via 101 or online, so we can best build a picture of what is happening in our community and effectively deploy our resources to combat any issues."