LAST month a “perceived increase in crime” was reported in the Bordon Herald with a Bordon Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator blaming the problem on a lack of police presence.

Responding to accusations of a reduction in visible officers, a Hampshire Constabulary spokesman outlined Whitehill and Bordon’s policing model.

“The Longmoor neighbourhood team works from a shared building (the eco-station) in the main A325 Camp Road in Whitehill-Bordon,” the spokesman said. “The team - a sergeant, four constables and eight police community support officers - is a dedicated neighbourhood team covering the Longmoor rural beat, the Bordon beat and the Liss beat.

"This is actually one more polie community support officer than in previous years because East Hampshire District Council funds an additional support officer post. The team carries out patrols and targeted work around crime alongside significant work safeguarding vulnerable people.

“The Neighbourhood Team is supported by the 24-hour cover of response and patrol officers who work from Alton as they have for many years.

“Specialist resources are available from around the force area and the area has recently seen other teams - such as force support unit, the roads policing unit, the dog section and air support unit - at various incidents within Longmoor.”