TWO Andover criminals are set to be among the faces of some of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight’s ‘Most Wanted’ criminals to be broadcast across the counties by the independent charity Crimestoppers.

Following the success of the last campaign in March, which saw information to the charity increase by over 60 per cent, a digital advan will once again publicise some of the area’s most wanted individuals.

Information was received on every individual featured in the last campaign and over half of the individuals who appeared on the digital van were arrested.

The response from local residents and media was so great that anonymous information to Crimestoppers hit a high of 239 pieces of information in March (up from 158 in January and 149 in February 2016).

Julia Hughes, Regional Manager for Crimestoppers in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, said: “Last time the digital advan came to Hampshire we received 28 pieces of information from the public on wanted individuals.

“Crimestoppers’ Most Wanted works because people understand they can safely and anonymously speak up about criminals without having their identities revealed or having to go to court.”

Over 100 faces are listed on the ‘Most Wanted’ gallery for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight for crimes ranging from burglary, drugs and criminal damage to assault.

Andover's duo are:

Leon McLeod, born 18/10/81 – wanted for theft in Newbury Road, on March 3, 2016; and

Mikhel Williams, 30/11/91 – wanted for production of Class A drugs in Upper Brook Street, August 21, 2015.

On 16 and 17 June new ‘Most Wanted’ faces will appear on a van fitted with a large digital screen that will travel to Portsmouth, Andover, Basingstoke and Aldershot.

Crimestoppers will also be using Facebook advertising in order to appeal to residents to check out ‘Most Wanted’ in their local areas by visiting crimestoppers-uk.org/most-wanted.

Rebecca Colvin, intelligence development manager for Hampshire Constabulary, said: “The anonymous service provided by the charity Crimestoppers and their Most Wanted gallery together with the courage of the local people to speak up about local criminals, is an integral means of law enforcement swiftly tracking down some wanted individuals.”

Michael Lane, Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “I am delighted to support this Crimestoppers’ initiative and heartened to see how the last appeal helped to raise awareness.

"This campaign has allowed the public to be engaged in the work of the police to bring criminals to justice.”

Crimestoppers’ Most Wanted was launched on November 17, 2005 and was, at the time, the first national online source of wanted individuals in the UK.

Crimestoppers are asking everyone to look at the faces on www.crimestoppers-uk.org/most-wanted and, if you recognise any of the suspects, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.