The idea behind Ironmill is that high-visibility patrols serve as a warning to potential criminals, and plain clothes officers are also on hand to catch criminals in the act.
Operation Ironmill, which ran from December 5 until January 5, has just completed its third year after previous yearÕs efforts proved highly successful.
Last yearÕs initiative turned up seven arrests in its first week, one for possession of drugs, one for criminal damage and the rest for shoplifting offences. Fifteen arrests in all were made during last yearÕs Ironmill programme.
The 2002/2003 campaign resulted in a total of 13 arrests; two less than last year but with two less officers at the forceÕs disposal.
Most were for shoplifting, but arrests were also made for possession of drugs, drink driving, criminal damage and deception.
Sergeant Helen Smith, co-ordinator of Operation Ironmill, said: ÒWe had lots of positive feedback about the scheme. Members of the public constantly came up to us saying how nice it is to see us out on patrol.
ÒHampshire police are making a big effort to reduce fear of crime, and Ironmill goes a long way towards this. It was nice to read in The Herald a couple of weeks ago that the manager of Boots had taken the trouble to publicly thank us for stepping up the police presence in the town centre over the festive period.
ÒThe scheme is run in conjunction with Shopwatch, and local retailers are always supportive of the scheme, as it makes them feel safer. The town centre is not a huge one, but it is incredibly important to local people.
ÒWith all the public interaction involved, the street patrols are very enjoyable to do. The scheme has been very successful every year it has been run, and we hope that this success will be repeated next year.Ó