Crime levels in Farnham town centre rose steeply in February following an exceptionally quiet start to the year.

There was a 75 per cent increase as 70 crimes were reported during the month compared to 40 in January.

The latter was the lowest for more than a year, so a rise was always likely with crimes involving violent or sexual offences (27) accounting for more a third of the figure.

The Borough was the most “crime ridden” part of the town centre with nine crimes being reported, while Bridge Square was close behind with seven.

The second and third most commonly reported crimes were public order (14) and shoplifting (10).

Crime also rose by 55 per cent during the period in Weybourne, Badshot Lea and Moor Park with 28 being reported in February compared to 18 the month before.

A spate of car crimes around Badshot Lea played a part with four incidents taking place around Skylark Place and Carpenters Way and two off Lower Weybourne Lane.

Six offences involving violent or sexual crimes were also reported with anti-social behaviour (5) and criminal damage (4) being the next most common.

There was better news south of the Wey as crime levels nearly fell by a half in the Wrecclesham, Rowledge and The Bourne patch.

The number of crimes reported in the area dropped by 43 per cent from 60 in January to 34 – the second lowest figure for a year after 29 in September.

Violent or sexual offences accounted for exactly half all of the crimes reported during the period in south Farnham with police also investigating five reports of theft.

However, two burglaries were also reported during the month with incidents off Bardsley Drive and Underhill Lane being investigated by police.

More figures and data can be found at www.police.uk