New policing team launched for New Forest
A 'high harm' group has been set up, focussing on things like drug dealing
The New Forest has a new policing team, launched to try and tackle so-called 'high harm' incidents in the district.
Four officers, led by Sergeant Andy Gwyer, are on the team to start with, but it's hoped more will be added later.
They'll carry out proactive patrols to manage 'high harm' offenders, and work with other forces to reduce cross-border crimes.
Drug related harm will be one of their focusses - tackling county lines networks and making visits to vulnerable who could fall victim to exploitation.
The new team will cover the whole of the New Forest, but will be based out of Lyndhurst Police Station.
Chief Inspector Nick Marsden, District Commander for the New Forest, said:
“I’m pleased we have been able to set up this team and make sure the New Forest remains a safe place for our residents and visitors.
“High Harm Teams have enjoyed great success in other districts across the county, and I am keen to see this replicated here.
“We are always looking at how we can best serve the public and so the work of this team will be adaptable and driven by intelligence and crime trends we are seeing in the area – these aims will be achieved with a mixture of high-visibility patrols and plain clothes operations in hot-spot areas."