'We will relentlessly pursue you': Message to criminals in Portsmouth
13 arrests have been made during a day of action
Last updated 5th Apr 2023
Detectives from Portsmouth’s Criminal Investigation Department have led a day of action.
Supported by the city’s neighbourhood policing teams and the force’s joint operations unit, Operation Blue Island was part of efforts in targeting those committing a range of crimes which cause misery to the city’s residents.
Yesterday (Tuesday 4 April), police carried out eight warrants in the Gunwharf Quays, Paulsgrove, Buckland and Fratton areas of Portsmouth. Another warrant was carried out in Chichester in connection with this operation.
As a result, suspected Class A drugs, drug paraphernalia, weapons, suspected stolen property and cash were seized.
A 19-year-old man from Portsmouth was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs; a 38-year-old man from Portsmouth on suspicion of controlling prostitution and modern day slavery offences; a 40-year-old woman from Portsmouth on suspicion of handling stolen goods and a 46-year old woman from Portsmouth on suspicion of fraud by false representation.
By midday, a further nine people had been arrested as part of further enforcement action across the city. These arrests were in connection with offences including drug supply, threats to kill, fraud, assault, theft of a motor a vehicle, sexual communication with a child and breach of bail.
Detective Chief Inspector Ross Toms, who led Operation Blue Island, said: “It’s clear that there are public concerns around acquisitive crime in Portsmouth, including bike theft, theft from motor vehicles, shoplifting and burglary.
“Much of this is connected with drug-related activity and the associated violence that comes with it, which has long been a priority for us.
“We want residents to be assured that we are listening, and this is just the beginning of our intensified efforts to ensure that Portsmouth a hostile city for criminals to operate in.
“We are pleased with the results we’ve seen today but this is just the start, and it’s important to add that preventative work is done alongside partners continually throughout the year, in addition to our police work.
“We are fully committed to ensuring that local communities do not suffer as a result of criminality and will do everything we can to target offenders that continue to cause harm, crime and anti-social behaviour within Portsmouth. Our detectives are invested in making it difficult for criminals to operate here.
“Our message to those committing crime and causing misery within our city is clear – my detectives will continue to relentlessly pursue you with all the resources and tactical policing methods at our disposal. We will continue seeking support from our partnership agencies in order to disrupt your criminality.”
Portsmouth Superintendent Paul Markham said: “We hope that today’s activity sends out a clear message to those living in Portsmouth or coming into the city with the intent to commit crime and cause harm – it will not be tolerated.
“We will keep up the pressure on those known locally to us and will not stop disrupting this criminality.
“We cannot do this without the support of local people, which is vital in helping us make our communities safer. Every piece of information is greatly appreciated and helps us to build a stronger intelligence picture, ultimately enabling us to take positive action and bring offenders to justice.”
You can report crime, including anti-social behaviour and suspicious activity, to us via 101 or online.
Alternatively, reports can be made 100% anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visiting their website.
Always call 999 in an emergency or if a crime is in progress.