OVERTON Community Beat Team has praised the area for making it one of the safest in the Basingstoke and Deane district.

The village and surrounding area saw the lowest crime and disorder figures since 1999 with 106 recorded criminal acts taking place in 2013.

PC Richard Baldwin said: “We are very proud of the fact that the Overton beat is now one of the safest places to live in the entire Basingstoke & Deane District.

“As we have said before this is very much a team effort with the assistance of local groups like the parish council, Neighbourhood Watch, farmers, gamekeepers and the vigilance that you the community show daily.

“One group in particular who are often maligned are the teenagers of the village, I would like to pay tribute to the vast majority of them who continue to behave respectfully.”

In December there were seven reported crimes, the same amount as in December 2012 and it was the joint second lowest amount for a month in 2012. Overall there were 22 less reported crimes in 2013 than 2012.

A regular police surgery is held in the Parish Office, St Mary’s Hall, Overton High Street and the next one is on Monday, 20 January between 12pm and 2pm and then on 17 February also between 12pm and 2pm.

If you want to speak to the Safer Neighbourhood Team or report an incident or criminal act contact Hampshire police by dialling 101 or email Richard.baldwin@hampshire.

pnn.police.uk or paul.harrison@ hampshire.pnn.police.co.uk.