Key Points
- Hampshire Constabulary organises public police meetings in New Milton and Barton.
- Meetings allow residents to discuss local policing, crime concerns, and community safety directly with officers.
- Events scheduled as part of regular neighbourhood policing engagement.
- Specific dates, times, and venues confirmed for both locations.
- Open to all community members; no booking required.
- Focus on crime prevention, anti-social behaviour, and local updates.
- Part of ongoing commitment to visible and accessible policing.
Barton(Oxford Daily) April 14, 2026 – Hampshire Constabulary has announced public police meetings in New Milton and Barton, providing residents with opportunities to engage directly with local officers on community safety matters.
The meetings form part of Hampshire Police’s neighbourhood policing strategy, aimed at fostering stronger community ties. As reported by Liana Walker of the Advertiser and Times, the events will cover updates on local crime trends, road safety initiatives, and responses to anti-social behaviour.
In New Milton, the meeting takes place at the New Milton Town Council offices on Wednesday, 22 April 2026, from 6:30pm to 7:30pm. PC Sarah Jenkins, the local neighbourhood officer, will lead the session. “These surgeries are vital for hearing residents’ concerns firsthand,” PC Jenkins stated, according to the Advertiser and Times coverage. “We encourage everyone to attend and share their views on making our community safer.”
The Barton meeting follows on Thursday, 23 April 2026, at Barton Village Hall, also from 6:30pm to 7:30pm. PC Tom Hargreaves, responsible for the Barton beat, will host.
“Attendance helps us prioritise resources effectively,”
PC Hargreaves remarked in the same report. No prior registration is needed for either event, making them accessible drop-in sessions.
Why Is Hampshire Police Holding These Public Meetings?
These gatherings align with Hampshire Constabulary’s public engagement pledge, as outlined in their 2026 policing plan. Inspector Rachel Patel, divisional commander for the New Forest area, explained the purpose: “Regular face-to-face interactions build trust and ensure policing reflects community needs,” she told the Advertiser and Times. The initiative responds to feedback from previous surgeries, where topics like vehicle crime and youth nuisance topped agendas.
Coverage in the Daily Echo by journalist Mark Henderson corroborates this, noting similar events have led to targeted patrols in high-crime spots.
“Residents in New Milton raised concerns over parking issues linked to crime, prompting immediate action,”
Henderson quoted a attendee from a prior meeting. Hampshire Police data indicates a 12% drop in reported anti-social behaviour in the New Forest district following last year’s sessions.
The Southern Daily Echo further detailed that these meetings support the force’s ‘Your Voice’ campaign, launched in January 2026. Sergeant Lisa Brooks added:
“We gather intelligence on emerging issues, such as rural burglaries, which have risen slightly this quarter.”
All statements emphasise neutrality and fact-based dialogue, avoiding policy debates.
When and Where Exactly Are the New Milton and Barton Police Surgeries?
Precise logistics ensure high attendance. For New Milton:
- Date: Wednesday, 22 April 2026
- Time: 6:30pm – 7:30pm
- Venue: New Milton Town Council, 2 Ashley Road, New Milton, BH25 6AS
- Contact: newmilton.npt@hampshire.pnn.police.uk for queries
Barton details mirror this structure:
- Date: Thursday, 23 April 2026
- Time: 6:30pm – 7:30pm
- Venue: Barton Village Hall, Barton Close, Barton-on-Sea, BH25 7HW
- Contact: Same email as above
As per the Advertiser and Times, parking is available at both sites, with nearby bus stops for public transport users. The force advises arriving early due to limited seating.
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