27 January 2026
Today marks the launch of Operation Predict, a new partnership between Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary, Southampton City Council, and GO! Southampton.
The operation brings these organisations together with a shared aim: to improve safety, reduce crime, and strengthen confidence in Southampton City Centre for businesses, residents, and visitors.
Operation Predict will focus on:
- Business Crime – reducing shoplifting, business burglaries, and associated offending through joint enforcement and prevention.
- AntiSocial Behaviour – balancing enforcement with meaningful support for individuals with complex needs and preventing disruptive behaviour through early intervention, engagement, and positive opportunities.
These priorities reflect concerns raised by local businesses and communities, as well as the need for a balanced approach that tackles offending while supporting those who are vulnerable or at risk. The operation will bring together police officers, council teams, outreach services, and city centre partners to deliver a visible, coordinated response.
Chief Inspector Charlie Ilderton, Deputy District Commander for Southampton, said: “Operation Predict represents a renewed and united commitment to making Southampton City Centre a safer and more welcoming place for everyone.
“By working closely with our partners, we can respond more effectively to the issues that matter most - from tackling persistent retail crime to supporting vulnerable individuals and engaging young people before problems escalate.
“This is a proactive, intelligenceled approach that puts community confidence at the heart of everything we do.”
Cllr Toqeer Kataria, Cabinet Member for Communities & Safer City for Southampton City Council said: “Op Predict demonstrates the strength of partnership working in Southampton and will help us to deliver on our City Plan priority to create a safer Southampton.
“By joining forces with Hampshire Constabulary and GO! Southampton, we are ensuring that our response is proactive, visible and shaped by local intelligence. This operation is an important step in restoring confidence and supporting a thriving city centre environment for all.”
Stephen Manion, Executive Director at GO! Southampton, the city’s Business Improvement District said: “City centre businesses want Southampton to be a place where people feel safe, welcome and confident to spend time, and Operation Predict is a positive step towards that. By bringing together the police, the council and other organisations, this partnership strengthens our collective ability to tackle retail crime and anti-social behaviour while also supporting those who need help.
“As part of our commitment to Op Predict, GO! Southampton is reinstating its daytime security presence provided by third-party Argenbright Security Europe Limited. The team are on the ground seven days a week patrolling the BID area to provide additional, visible reassurance for businesses and visitors.”
As part of the launch, all partners have signed the Southampton City Centre Partnership Commitment – a public pledge to work together, share information, and deliver consistent, visible action across the city centre. The commitment outlines a shared promise to focus on safety, respond quickly to concerns, champion prevention and support, and continually review and adapt the approach based on feedback and results.
Over the coming months, the public will see increased joint patrols, strengthened support pathways for vulnerable individuals, targeted youth engagement, and closer collaboration with local businesses. Regular updates will be provided to ensure transparency, maintain confidence, and demonstrate the impact of the partnership’s work.
Operation Predict marks the beginning of a long-term, collaborative effort to ensure Southampton City Centre remains safe and welcoming for all.