Venture Security starts patrols at Hampshire beauty spot

Venture Security is working with Twyford and Shawford parish councils to help tackle antisocial behaviour at a popular Hampshire beauty spot.

For a six-week period, Venture’s trained and licensed security officers will be conducting weekend patrols of Compton Lock. Located on the River Itchen around 3 miles south of Winchester, the area is considered one of the best places for open water swimming in the county.

Venture has been contracted following an increase in reports of antisocial behaviour, including vandalism, littering, alcohol and drug use, and an illegal rave.

A dispersal order that was introduced by Hampshire police in June and allowed officers to tell groups of two or more people to leave Compton Lock and Hockley Link, has since ended. This has led Twyford Parish Council and Compton and Shawford Parish Council to combine forces and call on the services and experience of Venture Security.

Twyford Parish Council chairman, Waine Lawton, said: "To ease the pressure on the police, whose help has been much appreciated but can be stretched during weekends, the two parishes have engaged Venture Security to help reduce incidents of anti-social behaviour.

“Venture's team is very experienced and their patrols have been very effective in other areas, which made them a natural choice. We are confident that with their support we can deter and reduce such incidents, for the benefit of visitors and residents."  

Paul Howe, managing director at Venture Security, commented: “We’re delighted to be working with the parish councils to help tackle antisocial behaviour at Compton Lock. The presence of our officers will not only act as a deterrent, but they will be able to deal directly with any issues they encounter, while supporting the police by gathering evidence and escalating anything relevant to the appropriate authorities.”

Paul added: “It’s a beautiful area and the warmer weather is naturally attracting more people to enjoy it. We hope we can support visitors to do so, in a safe and responsible way.”

Venture currently provides similar patrols within many town and city centre locations across the region, including Basingstoke, Salisbury, Winchester, Fareham and Andover. The award-winning team patrols daily, liaising between key stakeholders to help create a safer and more welcoming environment for residents, visitors and retailers alike.

Ranked within the top 1% of UK security providers, Venture works with corporate and residential customers based across Hampshire and central, southern England.