The authorities have reacted to accusations by a Hampshire councillor official that signs put up intended to deter crime are like Big Brother. Cllr Luke Stubbs, who represents Eastney and Craneswater, said: “There's also an economic issue to consider. Placing these intimidating signs on a main road suggests crime is out of control. We should not be saying to visitors ‘stay away, it's too dangerous’." A spokesperson said the signs placed by the Safer Portsmouth Partnership were based on police intelligence.