The police officer leading Hampshire’s response to the criminal unrest across the country has warned anyone who incites violence, including those using social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook, can expect a visit from the police.
Chief Superintendent Karen Manners reassured residents that there had been no reports of any incidents in Hampshire or the Isle of Wight that related to the disorder in London and other cities across the UK.
“We’re using social networking sites to help reassure people who are understandably concerned about how the events in London may impact our communities,” she said.
“We’re aware that such sites and networks are also being used to encourage copycat riots and we’ve reason to believe that some of these threats are being made by teenagers who don’t quite realise the implications of their words.
“If you are publishing messages encouraging violence, you need to know you can expect a visit from the police.
“We would ask parents also to help us keep communities safe by making sure you know what your children are doing online. Please be vigilant and help us to put an end to this.
“We’ve already spoken to individuals in relation to this and at this time no arrests have been made. We will continue to robustly investigate anyone who is using social network sites to generate or incite violence and disorder.”
Ch Supt Manners said Hampshire officers had been sent to support colleagues in the Metropolitan Police in London and would be staying there to support them for the rest of the week.
“The officers we’re sending to London are all specialist public order trained and are part of our mutual aid policing commitment nationally,” she said.
“They form part of our contingency planning and therefore their deployment does not affect policing strength to the communities of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. We are still able to maintain our presence in policing the communities across the two counties and are prepared to respond if required.”
She added: “We do understand that people, having watched the national media, may be concerned but our streets are safe, and we are concentrating all of our efforts on keeping it that way.
“You should go about your business as usual, and if anything should change we will update you as swiftly as possible. Please do report any concerns to us by calling 101.
“Your local policing teams are dedicated to keeping your community safe.”
