The leader of Whitehill Town Council has questioned why the town does not have a local police front desk, despite pledges to open one in every East Hampshire district.

Cllr Andy Tree travelled to Fareham last week to meet with Donna Jones, the Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire & Isle of Wight, to raise concerns about crime and policing in Whitehill, Bordon, and Lindford.

Although the town council has no formal authority over policing, Cllr Tree said: “I believe it’s my duty to represent the views of fellow residents and stand up for local victims of crime.”

Whitehill and Bordon is currently served by a police office at the Highview Industrial Estate, but it is not a 24-hour station and lacks a public front counter.

"I understand that having committed to opening a new office in Petersfield, there is now an aspiration for Alton but no plan to have a front desk in Whitehill and Bordon,” Cllr Tree told Commissioner Jones.“How can you reassure Whitehill and Bordon area residents that they are not disadvantaged?”

In response, Ms Jones said: “I'm clear in my pledge to put more bobbies on the beat in our communities and Bordon's Neighbourhood Policing Team is there to ensure high levels of visibility.

“Our named local bobbies can help with a range of issues from anti-social behaviour (ASB) to burglaries and criminal damage. They are available to speak to if they have any concerns.”

She confirmed a new front office would open in Petersfield later this month, with “more to come across East Hampshire.”

The commissioner also highlighted the work of the newly established Rural Crime Taskforce, aimed at tackling criminal gangs and related issues.

Recent police data shared by Ms Jones shows a 35 percent drop in anti-social behaviour incidents locally, with 43 reports recorded so far this year.Overall, reported crime in Whitehill and Bordon fell by 5.8 percent between January and December 2024 compared to the same period the previous year.