The Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones, has revealed that more than 25 projects are to get a £500K cash injection to tackle anti-social behaviour.

Coming into effect across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, the half a million-pound boost is from her Anti-social Behaviour Fund which has an annual pot of £200K.

The Commissioner announced the availability of the extra funding in March for local authorities, police, Community Safety Partnerships and community groups to provide partnership solutions to recurring ASB issues.

PCC Donna Jones said: “Anti-social behaviour casts a dangerous shadow over many of our communities.

“Severely impacting the quality of life for residents, it also threatens livelihoods and negatively imprints on the wider community as a whole.

“These devastating incidents can often be precursors to more serious criminal offences.”

She added: “By providing this additional funding for diversionary activities and projects, this can be addressed and challenged at the outset.”

READ MORE: This is why police were on Chapel Road this morning

PCC Donna Jones speaking in Southampton (Image: Hampshire Police)

The PCC met with the partners of one of the successful bids in Southampton on Tuesday, July 2.

Led by Southampton City Council, the Safe City Partnership includes police, South Central Ambulance Service, the city’s Street Pastors, GO! Southampton, Synergy Security and the universities.

The funding covers safe alarms, facial recognition and joint patrols with police officers and ambulance on Friday and Saturday nights across the city centre.

Councillor Christie Lambert, Cabinet Member for Communities and Safer City at Southampton City Council, said: “We are delighted to hear about the proposed funding from the Police and Crime Commissioner.

“Southampton's Safe City Partnership has long recognised the negative impact of increasing anti-social behaviour throughout our city, and we are pleased that the Police and Crime Commissioner has agreed to award this important funding that will work towards our mission of making Southampton a safer city for all to enjoy.” 

The Police and Crime Commissioner will also fund a range of youth engagement projects and drop-in services, support for youth clubs and outreach as well as the installation of CCTV cameras.

There is also funding for intervention programmes run by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service for young people to build resilience, learn about fire safety and make safer choices.