OVERTON is one of the safest places to live in Basingstoke and Deane, according to 2012 crime figures.

PC Richard Baldwin, whose beat also includes Freefolk and Laverstoke, said last year had the fewest crimes reported since 2005.

During December, seven crimes were reported, bringing the total for 2012 to 128, compared with 161 in 2011 and 146 in 2010.

The worst month for crime was March, when 19 incidents were reported, and the best were June and October, when just five crimes were reported during each month.

He said: “We will continue in our efforts to reduce crime and disorder.”