The newly elected Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight has warned of a potential spike in alcohol-related crime.

It comes as lockdown is expected to be further eased on Monday.

Conservative Donna Jones, who was elected to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight role last week, met with Hampshire Constabulary's Chief Constable Olivia Pinkney in Winchester yesterday (Thursday).

Ms Jones said: “With pubs opening and people celebrating their complete freedom again, I think it’s inevitable there could be a spike in drink and alcohol-related crimes.

“It’s going to be a busy summer for Hampshire police, but we are very well rated in the indices about keeping people safe and we all want crime to come down.

"I believe we have the right vision and drive to make this one of the safest places to live in the country."

She also thanked police officers for an 'excellent job'. in policing during the Covid-19 pandemic, said PA.

Describing her ambition for the role, she said: “I am going to be someone who is going to make sure police visibility increases, there are more police officers on our streets and, ultimately, what we all want is for crime to come down.”

Ms Jones said that she was “absolutely committed” to recruiting extra officers.

A target of 600 for the two counties will be funded partly through increased Home Office funding and she aims to recruit officers from more diverse backgrounds.

Out of 445 people who joined the force in the past year, only three are black, six are Asian and seven are of mixed ethnicity.

Ms Jones said: “Following the general election pledge in 2019, the prime minister promised 20,000 extra police officers across the country.

"We know in Hampshire that is likely to be around 550, but also through securing additional funds and working with the chief constable, I want to see if we can find greater efficiencies - because 600 is the golden number.”

Ms Jones added that she would adopt a zero-tolerance approach to corruption in the force.