More than half the crimes reported in Alton during September involved violence or sexual offences, according to the latest www.police.uk data.

They accounted for 36 of the 71 crimes reported during the month, with anti-social behaviour (13) being the next most commonly reported offence.

Ten shoplifting offences and eight vehicle crimes were reported, with the town’s main car parks and Manor Road topping the list of Alton’s most crime-ridden areas.