Monthly column by Supt Rob Mitchell, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary:

Partnership working is a key element of modern policing and absolutely vital if we as a service are able to deliver our priorities of exceptional local policing, relentless pursuit of criminals and putting victims first.

The Crime and Disorder Act 1999 created a statutory duty for certain organisations to work together to tackle and reduce crime and disorder.

Each Local Authority Area has a Community Safety Partnership (CSP) and the Isle of Wight is no exception.

Statutory partners include the council, police, fire service and health services, alongside other organisations with a responsibility in this area.

Anti-Social Behaviour has been a priority in every policing area I have worked, including Portsmouth and the New Forest.

To address the causes and impact, it takes joint working to problem solve and pool resources.

One problem for the Island involves abandoned buildings, in particular disused hotels on the seafront, and this is reflected up and down the country whether it’s hotels, cinemas or old factories.

These building have owners and for various reasons they appear to sit empty with no obvious sign of refurbishment or redevelopment.

They present a safety concern as they can attract young or vulnerable people seeking fun or shelter.

In some cases people are drawn to the premises for nothing more than causing criminal damage and anti-social behaviour.

Our CSP have been working to address this issue for a long time. There are legal processes to ensure safety and cosmetic improvements are addressed with property owners.

The legal process can be slow and frustrating but not through want of trying by the partnership.

Whilst efforts to have action taken by owners continues, the partnership have plans to secure buildings to prevent access, detect intruders and improve security through CCTV and other trackable methods.

Our local police teams have also identified and arrested three men for criminal investigation into arsons at the Ocean Hotel.

Arson in particular poses a real risk to anyone who enters the building, including emergency responders dealing with the consequences.

Those who are drawn to this type of behaviour need to consider the life-changing consequences if a fatal fire took hold.

As well as causing serious physical harm to somebody, you risk a substantial criminal conviction.

We will continue to work together to find a long term solution, with the owners, to minimise the risk to the public.

Please continue to report suspicious activity to police and if you’re a parent or guardian, please do what you can to explain to your children the consequences and risks surrounding these issues.