VILLAGERS will raise concerns about crime and policing in Hartley Wintney tonight.

Chief Inspector Annabel Berry, commander for the Hart and Rushmoor district, will talk to members of Hartley Wintney Parish Council at their meeting this evening.

Councillor Dorothy Harvey said residents were not happy about criminal activity in the village, including illegal quad-biking in West Green Common and thefts from sheds.

In June, a tabby cat was found tied by its neck at a building site on the St Mary’s Park estate, in Dilly Lane, eight days after going missing.

At the July parish meeting, Cllr Harvey said: “There’s a lot of concern about increasing activity going on and I think we need to be seen to be doing something.

“I am sure it is down to a lack of police on the streets. I do feel maybe we need to start looking seriously at the paperwork around appointing our own ACSO.”

Accredited Community Safety Officers (ACSOs), run by Hampshire County Council, patrol the streets to combat low-level crime and anti-social behaviour. While they do not have power of arrest, they can request the names and addresses of offenders, confiscate alcohol and cigarettes from underage people, and can request the removal of vehicles.

Members agreed to put an item about funding an ACSO on Monday’s agenda.

Talks have also been held with representatives from Sentinel Housing Association and Thames Valley Housing about eviction procedures for nuisance tenants.