Is the fear of crime worse than the reality? That’s the question to be tackled at the next Community Forum to be held in Lindford.

Chief Inspector Beth Pirie, East Hampshire’s top police officer, will be attending the event, on Tuesday, October 20, to discuss crime levels in the area.

Residents worried about crime in their area should attend the meeting, at Lindford Village Hall, to speak to a panel of police and community safety officers.

CI Pirie said that a change in crime recording and greater public confidence in the police has led to a slight rise in the amount of reported crime in the district but insists the area is a safe place.

She said: “Fear of crime does not necessarily correlate directly to the actual level of crime that is reported to the Police. Although the number of crimes recorded overall has actually risen slightly in the past year in East Hampshire, due to a change in how we record crime coupled with increased confidence from members of the public to come forward, this does not mean the total number of crimes actually committed has risen significantly.

“Areas such as dwelling burglary and anti-social behaviour have actually seen a decrease in the number of offences reported in the district. We consistently monitor our priorities to address problem areas such as rural crime and our neighbourhood teams work hard to tackle localised issues.

“East Hampshire remains a very safe area in which to live and work and I’m confident that our continued engagement with local communities will address any concerns people may have and help them to avoid becoming a victim of crime.”

The meeting will also be an opportunity to meet the new Police Community Support Officers, paid for by EHDC and dedicated to working in East Hampshire.

East Hampshire District Council’s Community Forums are public meetings to discuss the topical issues relevant to that area. Residents are encouraged to come along, ask questions and get involved.

The event will be held at 6.30pm, October 20, at Lindford Village Hall, 35 Sycamore Road, Lindford, Bordon, GU35 0RD.