Implemented to address shoplifting and related crime in Shirley, Operation Gatewatch has been brought in by Hampshire Police since October 2023.

Focusing on the Shirley High Street area, Operation Gatewatch has seen police officers crack down on shoplifting in the area – gathering intelligence from a combination of uniformed and plain clothed patrols, as well as stop searches where necessary.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Hampshire Police, explained: “Neighbourhood officers patrol Shirley High Street on a regular basis and have a close relationship with local businesses – we ensure we are consistently checking in with them and intelligence gathering.

“A number of the local shops are signed up to the CityWatch radio scheme, which allows a more effective and efficient method of communication between the businesses and police.

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“We also attend regular PACT (Police & Communities Together) meetings where we discuss the issues and the work that we are doing with partners and local business owners.”

Operation Gatewatch has resulted in more than ten people jailed in the last two weeks alone, with ‘two prolific shoplifters sentenced'.

Hampshire Police added: “We aim to update the public as much as possible on these results via our website and social media channels.”

Speaking last year in a video for Hampshire Police’s Facebook page, PC Adam Whittaker – who is a ‘bobby on the beat’ for Shirley – outlined why Operation Gatewatch had been implemented in the area.

He said: “The shop staff, frequently have to put up with trying to prevent these thefts but also in dealing with them, often face abuse and in some cases violence just for trying to do their jobs.”