PCC Donna Jones: Looking back on a busy year for policing

The world of policing didn’t stand still and I got stuck in to find more ways to make Basingstoke and Andover safer.

That hard work won’t stop in 2026.

I’ve reached out to the people of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, listening to the issues that matter the most, through my focus groups, rural engagement forums, online engagement via the Let’s Talk initiative and social media platforms.

This has enabled me to focus on providing you with the best service possible.

I know shoplifting and theft leaves many of you feeling uneasy and unsafe.

That’s why in June, I funded the crime-reporting app UKPAC, which has already seen over 70 prolific shoplifters jailed for a total of over 45 years.

It’s taking criminals off the streets and saving both police and businesses tens of thousands of pounds.

Providing exceptional local policing has also continued to be the driving force behind what I, and our new Chief Constable, Alexis Boon, are doing.

People in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight rightly expect to live in communities that are safe and feel safe, for themselves and their families.

They want to see officers on the streets dealing with the issues that matter to them.

That’s why I’m introducing 15 more Local Bobbies and have continued to deliver on my pledge to increase visibility by opening more police stations.

Of those Local Bobbies 80 per cent will be assigned to more rural areas as rural crime and organised drug gangs continue to pose a threat.

June also saw the introduction of my Rural Crime Taskforce, which sends a clear message to those gangs that they will be caught and put behind bars, while reassuring farmers and landowners that the police will take action to protect them.

Anti-social behaviour, dangerous driving, speeding and illegal car meets have also remained top on both your and my agenda.

That’s why I’ve invested £500,000 in my Road Safety Fund, along with specialist motorcycles armed with speed cameras as part of a new joint Safer Roads initiative led by the Roads Policing Teams.

We’re working alongside local communities to identify hotspots and reduce the number of people being killed or seriously injured on our roads.

Looking ahead, I will continue to lead the fight against crime by working closely with the Chief Constable and our partners to make sure you get the policing service you deserve.

I wish you all a happy and safe start to 2026.