A NEW inspector is now in charge of policing in Petersfield, Liphook, Liss, Alton and Bordon.

Inspector Peter Parkes will be based at Mill Lane in Alton, but says he plans to divide his time between there, and the police offices at Penns Place in Petersfield and at the Eco Station in Camp Road, Bordon.

The police officer of 24 years said: "This area has a very low rate of major crime, and that is a message I am keen to send residents; it has one of the lowest, if not the lowest, crime rate in Hampshire.

"But there are problems with anti-social behaviour and burglary for example, and these affect the quality of life so we will be working hard to resolve them."

And with one sergeant, three Police Constables (PCs) and seven Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) in Petersfield, a sergeant, two PCs and six PCSOs in Alton, and a sergeant, four PCs and four PCSOs in Bordon, Insp Parkes says residents’ help is vital.

Insp Parkes, formerly based in Southampton, said: "Residents input is crucial in helping us, and I would ask them to contact us if they see anything suspicious. If community engagement is good, it makes our job easier, helps get results, and that improves the quality of life."