HUNDREDS of violent and sexual crimes were committed in the town this July, statistics show.

An investigation by the Gazette has shown that of the 374 violent and sexual offences, which includes crimes such as common assault and grievous bodily harm, 80 took place in the town centre area.

South Ham was second with 58, whilst Oakridge was third on 55.

During that same time period, there were 19 drug offences, with half taking place in the town centre, three in the Viables and Black Dam areas and the same number Oakridge.

There were also 16 offences concerning the possession of weapons.

The figures have stayed relatively similar to figures from the same period last year, where 379 violent and sexual offences were reported to Hampshire Police.

However, offences for possession of a weapon are up 60 per cent from July 2018.

This year, the town centre was also the highest for weapon offences, having almost 40 per cent of all crimes from across the town, with South Ham, Oakridge and King’s Furlong close behind.