CRIME in and around Alresford is decreasing year on year, a meeting has heard.

Residents from across the town and its surrounding villages met last Thursday for the Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) annual general meeting.

Sgt Mark Lamper, of Alresford police, said despite a recent spate of burglaries, crime levels across the year had improved.

He said: “There has been no increase in crime this year. The trend still is that it is going down. We have got a good team up there. We don’t mess about - If we hear of anything we try to get out there straight away.”

Beat 10, which includes Alresford, Bighton and Gundleton, this year saw four house burglaries, 16 non-dwelling burglaries, seven vehicle thefts and 75 suspicious incidents.

Last year the same area saw two house burglaries, 16 non-dwelling burglaries, 13 vehicle thefts and 94 suspicious incidents.

Beat 11, which includes Cheriton and the surrounding villages this year saw two house burglaries, 26 non-dwelling burglaries, nine vehicle thefts and 66 suspicious incidents.

Last year there were 11 house burglaries, 24 non-dwelling burglaries, eight vehicle thefts and 83 suspicious incidents.

Sgt Lamper also said issues from BoomTown festival, which is held at Matterley Bowl, were ‘not as bad’ this year.

After three years in post Alresford NHW chairman David Pain stepped down and Gareth Rees took up the role.

He said to keep costs down the group is considering scrapping the current newsletter and publishing information in the forum instead – the independent magazine circulated throughout the town.

Town councillors Barbara Jeffs and Lisa Griffiths said they were concerned that people would not receive vital information. Mr Rees said the group will discuss their options at their next meeting.

The 20-strong audience also heard from Winchester and Chandler’s Ford MP Steve Brine, who said: “The Alresford Neighbourhood Watch is a vibrant organisation, so I thank you for what you do.”

The meeting listened intently as he gave a speech about what it means to be a ‘new boy’ in Westminster, and he graciously answered various questions from ‘Why do you stand up during Prime Minister’s Questions?’ to ‘What is your ultimate ambition?’.

Sgt Lamper also revealed that Alresford police is being scaled down from five officers to three, and he will be moving to Fareham in the coming months.