New EyesOn app set to fight rural crime in Hampshire

Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones has launched EyesOn, an AI-powered platform designed to support communities across rural areas in reporting and sharing information about criminal activity.

The app, the first of its kind in the UK, is due to be fully operational this spring after a short trial, and allows users to file crime reports and communicate securely with police and each other.

Chief Inspector Marcus Cator, UKPAC chairman Gareth Lewis, Assistant Chief Constable Tara McGovern, and PCC Donna Jones with the EyesOn agreement. (Image: OPCC)

Ms Jones said: "EyesOn is a revolutionary new app which will be a game changer in the fight against rural crime for our countryside communities and local police.

"Across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, our beautiful countryside is all too often blighted by the damage caused by criminal activity.

"Organised gangs target these areas and businesses, and it is threatening to put many rural sites out of business.

"I am delighted to be supporting and funding the EyesOn project, so that our rural communities can access it for free and share news, risks and concerns as well as images and CCTV footage of offences being committed and the damage left behind."

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The app uses AI-powered data analytics and supports geolocation tools.

Users are reminded to continue using 999 for crimes in progress or emergencies.

The app, however, is designed to give police greater insight into ongoing criminal trends.

A screenshot from the new EyesOn app. (Image: OPCC)

Inspector Cath MacDonald, who leads the Rural Crime Task Force, said: "We are excited about this app and the positive difference it will make to further strengthening policing in rural areas.

"EyesOn gives police and the community a much more user-friendly interface, making it quicker and easier to report crimes and incidents, and then to get that information to the right local policing team."

The app has been developed by UK Partners Against Crime (UKPAC), the creators of the UKPAC retail crime reporting tool.

That app has directly led to 107 shoplifters being charged in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, as well as helping secure more than 55 years in custodial sentencing.

Gareth Lewis, chairman of UKPAC, said: "The launch of EyesOn in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight is a UK first and has been made possible thanks to the support, input and guidance from PCC Donna Jones and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary."