CHIEF Inspector Beth Pirie, East Hampshire’s top police officer, will be attending Alton’s community forum next week to discuss crime levels.

Police and community officers will be at the meeting at Alton Community Centre next Tuesday, October 27, at 6.30pm.

Chief Insp Pirie said that a change in crime recording and “greater public confidence” in the police has led to a slight rise in the amount of reported crime in the district but insists the area is a safe place.

“Fear of crime does not necessarily correlate directly to the actual level of crime reported to the police,” she said.

“Areas such as burglary and anti-social behaviour have actually seen a decrease and we consistently monitor our priorities to address problem areas such as rural crime, and our neighbourhood police teams work hard to tackle localised issues.

“East Hampshire remains a very safe area in which to live and work and I’m confident that our continued engagement with local communities will address any concerns people may have and help them to avoid becoming a victim of crime.”