ANDOVER UKIP councillor Tony Hooke has requested an urgent meeting with Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Hayes to talk about what he describes as a ‘mini crime wave’ in the town.

In the past two weeks there have been two armed robberies in Andover and an upsurge in attacks on vehicles.

Councillor Hooke, who runs a garage in the town, said: “I want to know what police are doing to tackle these incidents of tyre slashing in Andover.

“I’ve had half a dozen regular customers who have come in reporting this problem and they all have the feeling that nothing has been done.

“The first role of the police is the prevention of crime but when was the last time you saw a police officer on the streets of Andover – I’m not talking about PCSOs?

“These incidents are causing thousands of pounds’ worth of damage and there needs to be an operation to catch whoever is responsible.

“My guess is it is one person acting after a skinful of beer.”

Cllr Hooke will meet with Mr Hayes on Tuesday afternoon.

One woman from Florence Court, said: “Six or more cars had their tyres damaged about 1am in the morning of Sunday, 21 September in Florence Court.

“Still waiting on police coming in the Court to speak to all concerned, two cars in our household. These people need sorting out and catching.”

A man in his 70s from Galahad Close said: “We have had youths jumping on bonnets, mirrors damaged but what are police doing? If the police don’t help the public when they need our help people will be less inclined to help them.”

The previous weekend 30 vehicles were damaged in Colenzo Drive, Admirals Way, London Road and Picket Twenty. Each vehicle had one or two tyres cut. Police say two potential offenders were spotted during this attack.

PC Jenny Carr, said “I am appealing to anyone who saw anything suspicious, or anyone who thinks they know who is responsible, to get in touch at the earliest opportunity.”

Contact PC Carr at Andover police station on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.