Three teens arrested as Hampshire Police target youth-related offending in Basingstoke
Police launched an investigation after reports of shoplifting and assaults in the town
Three teenagers have been arrested as part of Hampshire Police's ongoing work to target youth-related offending and anti-social behaviour in the South Ham and Winklebury areas of Basingstoke.
Hampshire Police have been working to support local businesses and residents during their #SaferStreetsSummer campaign and launched an investigation following recent reports, which included:
- A report of shoplifting at Co-op on Kings Road on 25 July and 2 August
- A report of assault and shoplifting at Aldi in Winklebury on 30 July
- A report of assault on Sandys Road on 3 August
On Wednesday 13 August, officers arrested three teenagers as part of the investigation:
- A 13-year-old boy from Basingstoke has been arrested on suspicion of theft from a shop
- A 16-year-old girl from Basingstoke has been arrested on suspicion of: Theft from a shop, robbery, threat to damage / destroy property, criminal damage to property valued under £5,000, threats to kill and assault a person thereby occasioning them actual bodily harm
- A 16-year-old girl from Basingstoke has been arrested on suspicion of theft from a shop and common assault
The three teenagers have been bailed with conditions while further enquiries are carried out.
Police Sergeant Callum Bushell, of the Basingstoke Town Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Our teams have been working incredibly hard to respond to incidents of anti-social behaviour and youth-related violence in the South Ham and Winklebury areas.
“As well as responding to reports, our teams have been conducting additional patrols and have been keeping regular contact with local businesses and residents.
“We know the impact these incidents are having on the local community, but please be reassured that we are taking these reports extremely seriously.
“We will do all we can to find those responsible and take appropriate action when necessary. We will also increase patrols in the affected areas as we continue to work with partners to target youth-related offending in the town.”