News Havant Neighbourhood Policing Team wins Tilley Awards at National Problem Solving Conference

Police in Havant have received national recognition for their work in reducing anti-social behaviour and youth violence at a local shopping centre.

The Battins and West Leigh neighbourhood teams, together with crime prevention officers, won at the Tilley Awards this week for their efforts at Greywell Shopping Centre.

The initiative, known as Operation Concur, combined targeted patrols with community partnerships to cut reported crime and improve safety in the area. Officers worked alongside local organisations, the Police and Crime Commissioner, and community leaders to deliver the project.

A key part of the operation was to give young people positive opportunities. This included support for the Knives Down, Gloves Up initiative run by Robinsons ABC Boxing in Leigh Park, which offers evening boxing sessions to help divert young people from violence and promote wellbeing.

Funding from the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Anti-Social Behaviour Fund and the Hot-Spot Action Fund supported a range of youth projects, including community events under the Discover Your Leigh Park scheme, offering free activities and learning opportunities for 10–16-year-olds.

Alongside community programmes, police introduced youth diversion schemes tailored to individual needs, with a focus on trauma-informed support. The operation also included anti-social behaviour patrols and the reinstatement of CCTV cameras in partnership with Havant Borough Council.

Police leaders say the combined approach has led to a significant drop in crime and anti-social behaviour at Greywell Shopping Centre, helping both residents and businesses feel safer.

Havant Chief Inspector Matt Moss, who was there to celebrate with them at the ceremony, said, “I am immensely proud of the team and the work they have done locally.

“We are very grateful for the support we have received from our community partners, and I am determined to continue building on these relationships going forward.

“I am keen to develop on the structures the team have put in place and to expand them further, both locally and further afield.”

PCC Donna Jones said: “I am absolutely thrilled.

“This award is the perfect example of what you can achieve through hard-work, partnership working and community engagement.

“My special congratulations go to PC Ian Mitchell and PC Abbey White.

“They are the epitome of why I created Local Bobbies. Their intricate knowledge and understanding of the people living and working in Battins and West Leigh have enabled them to forge strong relationships with the community and young people and put them at the heart of their work.

“Through my office, I fund multiple intervention, diversion and support projects for the young people that need it most. They include Motiv8 and Leigh Park Amateur Boxing Club.

“Their vital work alongside PC’s Mitchell and White has contributed to the reduction of reoffending and issues in the area.

“It’s a testament to the collaborative efforts seen in Leigh Park that Op Concur is being used as a blueprint by colleagues to tackle problems in other areas. 

“Well done to all involved.”

Chief Constable Alexis Boon said: “I am delighted to see the team recognised in this way for their hard work and dedication in relation to Op Concur.

“The team identified and intelligently tackled entrenched youth violence and anti-social behaviour, in a way that made a real difference to the quality of life experienced by the local community.

“We are committed to delivering visible local policing and putting our communities first, and the work done by the team in Havant exemplifies this.

“I would like to personally commend them for their efforts and commitment to this project and congratulate them for their well-deserved win, I am very proud of them all.”