In the lead-up to Christmas, undercover police have been cracking down on shop thefts, drug-related crime and other alleged criminal activity taking place on an Isle of Wight High Street, it has been revealed.

The Newport Neighbourhoods Team has been conducting a plain clothes operation over the past few weeks in Newport town centre.

This has involved several undercover and uniformed police officers paying specific attention to supermarkets and shops on the High Street to target criminals and keep shoppers and staff safe.

Over the past two weeks, there have been a number of incidents resulting in positive actions being taken, said Isle of Wight Police.

  • A handful of details relating to incidents in Newport town centre have been released:

Three drug searches resulted in two positive outcomes, with one, a young male, being arrested for possession with intent to supply Class B drugs.

During one of the searches, a knife was also found on another male, which was seized and destroyed.

Seven theft occurrences have been dealt with by plain clothes officers, who were undetected and caught suspects red-handed, said police.

Eight stop and searches were carried out by officers looking for stolen items.

A Section 35 Dispersal Order resulted in eight youths being banned from Newport town centre for 24 hours due to reports of anti-social behaviour and the likelihood of causing further harassment, alarm and distress to the general public. 

One assault in progress was dealt with by uniformed officers, who were flagged down by the victim, said police.

PC McGachie said: “As a team, we take pride in making sure the public feels safe and can come to us for help whenever it is needed. 

“If you see the team around Newport, please come and say hello and make us aware of any suspicious behaviour you may have seen. You can also report incidents to us by calling 101, visiting www.hampshire.police.uk or dialling 999 if a crime is in progress.

“Hope you all have a lovely Christmas.”