GREATER police presence and CCTV upgrades have been discussed as ways to reduce crime taking place at Andover railway station. 

Kit Malthouse, Andover's MP, conducted a meeting with British Transport Police (BTP) to discuss crime at Andover station. 

It comes after the MP has received numerous reports of drug crime and anti-social behaviour in the station car park. 

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Speaking after the meeting, Mr Malthouse said: “I organised a meeting with BTP’s new and very proactive Inspector Adam McEvoy from BTP, where we discussed various reports of crime and anti-social behaviour in Andover station’s car park — such as vandalism, theft and drug offences.

"We discussed upgrading CCTV, setting up a command centre in Basingstoke so officers can respond to reported incidents quicker, and conducting further operations and spot checks to catch out the criminal county lines drug gangs.

"This follows my recent meeting with Hampshire Police’s Chief Inspector who has agreed to step up officer presence around the station. 

"With the BTP working closely with their Hampshire police colleagues and the South Western Railway security team, we can make Andover station safer and ensure crime does not escalate onto surrounding streets.”

Last month, Mr Malthouse organised a meeting with Hampshire police Chief Inspector Hayley O’Grady to discuss crime in the town centre, during which it was confirmed Andover would see more police officers.