Project Kraken-Hamble River scheme is proving a great success in tackling crime on the River Hamble since it was launched in February this year.
The scheme was launched by the Hamble Safer Neighbourhood Team working with Eastleigh Community Safety Partnership. One of the key aims is to raise awareness as well as promote best practice and crime prevention on the River Hamble as crime is often under reported in the marine community.
Project Kraken is a national scheme that delivers enhanced level of vigilance against crime within the Solent maritime environment including the harbours and estuaries of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Key organisations such as harbourmasters, coastguard and marina managers, together with people who live or work in, or adjacent to, the marine environment, or who spend their leisure time on or near our waters, are encouraged to report any suspicious activity.
The Police and Community Safety Partnership wanted a local angle to this national initiative by establishing a ‘river watch’ type scheme with professionals in the marine environment. The principles were based upon those of Neighbourhood Watch aimed at preventing and detecting crime, enhancing communication and promoting best practice. Police Sergeant George White said
Cabinet Member for Health Councillor Cathie Fraser said
She added
Commenting on this project the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police & Crime Commissioner Candidate David Goodall said:-
If anyone has any information about those responsible for criminal activity on the Hamble – such as theft or damage – they should contact the police by telephoning 101. If you witness an activity actually taking place then you should still call 999.