Local residents criticize police for prioritizing nature walks over crime-solving efforts
New Forest: So, the police in Hampshire have come under fire for setting up a nature walking group. Locals are saying it’s a total joke, especially when they think the cops should be out solving crimes instead.
People are really upset, claiming this walking initiative is just a waste of time and money. They point out that the area has a history of unsolved burglaries, so it feels a bit off to be organizing strolls in the woods.
But the police are defending it, saying it’s a way to connect with the community. They call it a “beat surgery on the move,” which sounds fancy but doesn’t seem to sit well with everyone.
They promoted the event on Facebook, inviting folks to join a three-mile walk through the beautiful New Forest. They even mentioned that representatives from Forestry England would be there to chat about the forest and personal safety tips.
While some people think it’s a nice idea, others are not having it. One guy, Jarod, said it’s ridiculous to have police involved when the forestry folks could handle it. He feels like taxpayers shouldn’t be footing the bill for police to stroll around.
Another resident, Clifford, chimed in, saying that crime detection is so low that most people have given up on the police solving anything. He thinks they should be patrolling towns instead.
Stephen added that while officers are out chatting, real crimes are being ignored. It’s a mixed bag of opinions, with some hoping it helps those who feel uneasy walking alone, but many see it as a waste of resources.
Last year, a report showed that certain areas in the national park had a high number of unsolved burglaries. In fact, Lyndhurst had the most unsolved cases in the UK, with 84 still outstanding.
The police insist that this walking initiative is just one part of their community outreach. They say it gives people a chance to talk to local officers and get crime prevention advice, but many locals are still skeptical.
