NEIGHBOURHOOD officers and community support officers from Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are participating in a 'Let's Talk' initiative to better serve their communities.

On Wednesday, July 31, officers will reach out to residents on their doorstep and public places to hear from them about what concerns them most when it comes to where they live.

The Let's Talk initiative is the force's approach to help deliver exceptional local policing and tackle the things that matter most to those we are keeping safe. This is achieved through a community survey which is built onto the force's existing Hampshire Alert community messaging system and which helps gather information from about local issues from those the constabulary engages with.

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Inspector Antony Botten, who is leading the day of action, said: "Since we launched Let's Talk on 6 March this year we have heard from over 16,000 residents about issues in their local areas.

"Local neighbourhood policing teams have then used this information to tackle issues and concerns of residents, including sharing relevant information with the right partner agencies where issues raised were not policing related.

“This day of action will help us to continue understanding and addressing the issues that our local communities experience on a daily basis. By sharing their concerns with us, we can work with others to make our communities safer and stronger.

"If you see one of our officers or PCSOs knocking at your door, please spare a few minutes to talk to them. Alternatively, you can have your say online by visiting hampshirealert.co.uk/letstalk."

Chief Superintendent Clare Jenkins, strategic lead overseeing the Let’s Talk initiative, added: "Listening to community concerns helps us to be able to deploy our teams effectively to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour. This along with working with local partners helps to improve safety in our local communities. 

"We look forward to letting you know about how we are tackling the issues you have reported to us."