Fareham MP Suella Braverman has backed calls for CCTV at The Gilles allotments following a visit to the site recently. The MP met with local councillors and gardeners where she praised their work to the allotment and heard concerns about crime and anti-social behaviour.
Last year, a petition calling for CCTV to be installed to help reduce anti-social behaviour in the area attracted over 500 signatures. A string of violent incidents, including a homeless man being stabbed 14 times in 2015, has resulted in three men being jailed. Similarly in December of the same year, three teenagers were jailed for several years after using a BB gun to steal cigarettes and £1.50 in change from a member of the public.
Following her visit to the allotments, Suella Braverman has asked Fareham Borough Council to look at the option of installing CCTV at the site.
Local campaigners have said CCTV installation along the public pathway would act as a strong deterrent to crime and anti-social behaviour as well as offering reassurance to locals using the allotment and woodland. However, officials have noted the difficulty in monitoring the wooded area.
Expressing regret at the problems associated with anti-social behaviour at the site, Cllr Trevor Cartwright MBE of Fareham Borough Council said that the Council was working very closely with the Police and Community Safety Partners. He said that problems at the site were a priority for the Borough Council and that a review of CCTV coverage within the Borough, including at The Gillies, was currently underway.
Suella Braverman MP said:
“It is regrettable that people are fearful for their own safety when walking through The Gillies. I have had several constituents contact me about how they are afraid to even let their children cycle to the allotments no matter what time of day it is.
“I welcome efforts by local councillors and the police to address the matter through increased patrols by police and community safety officers. However, after speaking with those using the site, I believe the option of CCTV is one that should be explored as it would be an important step to safeguard the public.”
