There will be an increased police presence in Andover to target anti-social behaviour hotspots following a series of public incidents.

Hampshire Constabulary’s chief inspector, Kory Thorne, told the Advertiser that officers will be conducting routine and targeted patrols of areas most associated with the behaviour, as well as working with bodies such as Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) to help combat the issue.

The chief inspector told the Advertiser: “We are aware of reports of issues concerning anti-social behaviour in the Andover area.

“We are working with local stakeholder partners, including Test Valley Borough Council, to reduce associated issues in the local community – such as recently damage being caused to disused businesses in the town centre.

“We have provided an increased presence in the local area, targeting hot spot areas where we receive information about anti-social behaviour, with routine and targeted patrols by our officers. This enables us to have conversations with local residents and provide reassurance that we’re doing all that we can to prevent these issues.”

Anti-social behaviour has been a particular focus in recent months following a series of incidents. On the high street, the Andover Clothing Exchange was targeted by youth vandals who smashed windows, damaged doors and verbally assaulted employees.

Following the Advertiser’s reporting, police identified 12 young people who were involved in the ASB, and confronted them alongside their parents.

Speaking at the time, Cllr Phil North said that the youths were “made aware of the possible consequences if they continue with these behaviours” and hoped that the intervention would reduce incidents of anti-social behaviour.

However, there have continued to be incidents of anti-social behaviour, with Youth MP Dmitrijs Meiksans saying he had his bike stolen from Waterloo Court earlier this month. He found his bike shortly afterwards outside the Chantry Centre entrance, “in a very poor condition.”

He alleges that a group of 12 and 13-year-olds was involved in the incident, citing witnesses and social media posts.

Dmitrijs said: “This kind of behaviour should absolutely not be tolerated, and I frankly disgusted and enraged at the actions of these young people.

“They have put a great deal of shame on such an inspirational and passionate group of people. I call upon the police to do everything in their power to ensure that these young people are identified and brought to justice.”