MORE than 2,000 reports of crime were made in Andover in the first five months of this year, up more than 20 per cent on 2014.

From January to May, 2015, there were 2,030 reports of crime, compared to 1,686 made during the same months last year.

In each of the last three years the number of reports of anti-social behaviour have peaked in the months of July and August.

Meanwhile, reports of violence and sexual offences in Andover have increased so far this year compared to the years 2014 and 2013.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the town centre is the most crime-affected place in the Andover area, followed by King Arthurs Way and surrounding areas of Newbury Road, though the number of reports has decreased since early 2015.

However statistics suggest that since the beginning of 2015, the number of reports in these areas have decreased month-by-month.

Conservative councillor for the Alamein ward which covers the area, Phil North, said: “My experience of King Arthurs Way is a positive one.

"I am somewhat surprised by the overall figures, however I am reassured that it seems to be going down. Test Valley has had a relentless focus on King Arthurs Way through the Turnaround Project and supported the Community Association in setting up a community hub in the refurbished hall.”

More than 100 stop and searches were carried out by officers in the Andover area in May, 2015.

In contrast to the 345 reports of crime made in Andover in May, 2015 – the most recent month of data – there were 22 reports in Whitchurch, five in Stockbridge and one in Barton Stacey.

Hampshire Police did not comment on the figures.