Over a dozen stop-searched in police crackdown on criminals travelling by train into Lymington and New Milton

MORE than a dozen people were stopped and searched by police during a proactive crackdown on criminals travelling by rail into Lymington and New Milton.

First launched six years ago, the operation was carried out by Hampshire officers in collaboration with Dorset counterparts and British Transport Police on the evening of Friday 27th October.

There was a heightened force presence in the towns’ high streets, as well as on trains and platforms.

This was to combat those who come from outside the area to commit retail crime under the anonymity of not being known to local police.

Sgt Arron Wood, of New Milton’s neighbourhood policing team, hailed the latest day of action a success.

As a result of the stop-searches, a 17-year-old boy was due to be interviewed at a later date in relation to suspected class B drugs possession.

Another male was reported for suspected possession of class A drugs.

Officers also issued fines for suspected traffic offences, including using a mobile phone at the wheel, parking on zig-zags and riding without lights.

The operation was also an opportunity to gather intelligence and offer advice on various matters by engaging with the public, staff, commuters, guards and train station welfare officers.

Sgt Wood said afterwards: “Retail crime in Hampshire is one of the force’s priorities currently and we continue to support the force’s priorities on that front, by robustly dealing with shoplifters and people who attack members of shop staff.

“Please know that we will deal with these matters seriously and we will make all efforts to try and identify offenders if we don’t know who they are.”

People should report any incidents online at hampshire.police.uk or by calling 101, but 999 should be dialled if a crime is in progress.