Police have arrested 112 suspected drug dealers and dismantled two drug lines in Gosport as part of the Not In Our Town campaign targeting organised crime, with overall crime falling 2.6% in the past year.
The arrests form part of a wider initiative designed to clear organised crime threats and reclaim neighbourhoods affected by criminal activity, focusing on issues that matter most to local residents.
Crime statistics show Gosport is experiencing a significant decline, with the 2.6% reduction providing evidence that the Not In Our Town campaign is having a measurable impact on local crime levels whilst boosting community confidence.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Assistant Chief Constable Tony Rowlinson said: “Police tackling drug supply is of huge significance for a local community, we all know it’s often linked to other offences such as robbery and violent crime. By taking targeted action, we aim to reduce offending and improve the quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors.
“The Clear and Hold phase of Not in Our Town has been running for over a year now, and follows months of planning and problem solving by local officers, who have been listening to people in Gosport to understand what matters most to them.
“Across Gosport, we are focused on tackling the crimes that matter most to communities to reduce offending and improve neighbourhoods.”
The initiative involves joint working between police and Gosport Borough Council, with collaboration from resident groups, local businesses and community stakeholders to ensure each phase addresses crime challenges whilst creating spaces for community use.
“Gosport has a rich history and cultural significance within Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and the aim is to restore it to a location where residents, businesses and visitors can thrive by reducing crime and anti-social behaviour,” added Assistant Chief Constable Rowlinson.
In October last year, Gosport Police’s Neighbourhoods team held a joint event with the Police and Crime Commissioner, local council and community partners to update them on enforcement activity during the clear phase of Not In Our Town.
Targeted operations have led to significant reductions in violent crime and drug offences through multiple approaches including search and seizure warrants, education and prevention measures in schools, high-visibility patrolling, knife and licensing operations, and joint operations with HMRC, Immigration and Hampshire County Council Trading Standards.
Police and council enforcement officer patrols, combined with community and business engagement, have helped clear gangs from the area using various tactics.
Since April 2024, the campaign has removed Class A drugs and illicit cash from streets, with increased referrals to partner agencies and decreased repeat offending. Gosport now has one of the lowest crime rates for further investigations, reduced knife crime and violent crime, fewer neighbourhood crimes, and the highest victim satisfaction rate in the county.
Gosport Neighbourhoods Inspector Sam Warne said: “Improving community safety is one of the main concerns expressed to us by many residents, which is why we’re investing to make our borough a safer space.
“We’ve been working in partnership with Gosport Borough Council and the community safety partnership which provides a new collaborative community safety model for us to work and address these issues.
“This work aims not only to tackle organised crime around Gosport but also to ensure this remains a space residents can enjoy. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of the police, police and crime commissioner-funded police officers and two additional council ambassadors, we are already beginning to see positive results.”
The project has now entered its third phase, operating independently of police action to address crime’s root causes, provide support and opportunities to help people rebuild their lives, and protect communities against organised crime groups.
This phase focuses on creating a lasting legacy through strong community response and partner initiatives that promote neighbourhood unity and prevent future problems.
All activity aims to reduce organised crime whilst improving community safety and confidence in policing. Residents can share thoughts and experiences about crime and safety in Gosport through an anonymous survey to help shape future work.
Suspicious activity can be reported to police on 101, with 999 for emergencies. Those preferring not to speak directly to police can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
