RESIDENTS in Petersfield have helped to shape the priorities the town’s police officers will focus on for the first three months of 2016.

People living in the town were asked to take part in an online survey so the Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) could identify the problems the public wanted them to tackle.

The feedback was then assessed alongside crime trends and intelligence to identify the issues to be addressed by the NPT?between now and the end of March. The assessment of the current situation in Petersfield showed that reports of non-dwelling burglaries had dropped.

However, this remains a district priority and officers will continue to offer advice and support to businesses to prevent them from becoming victims of crime.

Residents identified criminal damage as an area of concern and more reports have been received in recent months – this will also be addressed by officers in the town.

Anti-social behaviour was also identified by the survey and the NPT will target known hotspots to continue to prevent and deter unwanted behaviour.

Petersfield Police Sergeant Phil Shore said: "I’m pleased the community has helped to shape our policing priorities for the next three months.

“It’s important our NPT’s receive feedback like this to ensure we are addressing the issues that affect you.

“I’d like to see even more people take part next time we carry out this survey.”

To take part in the next survey, launching next month, visit: www.survey monkey.com/r/ButserSur veyMarch2016 For more about the NPT visit: www. hampshire.po lice.uk/inter net/my-neighbourhood/ east-hants /butser/