Crime dropped to its lowest level for more than a year in central Farnham in December.

But there was a slight rise in North Farnham, while a spate of anti-social behaviour around Ridgway Road led to a spike south of the Wey.

The latest police.uk crime map makes fairly encouraging reading with just 48 offences being reported during the last month of 2024 in the heart of the town.

That’s six crimes less than the previous low of 54 reported in September, and the lowest figure on record for the last 12 months.

As per usual, crimes involving violence or sexual offences were the most commonly reported (17) followed by shoplifting (6) and public order and criminal damage (both 5).

The Lower Hart car park was the most “crime ridden” area with nine offences being reported, while crimes involving drugs and possession of criminal weapons were reported on Kimbers Lane.

The number of crimes reported around South Farnham rose by more than a third with 49 being reported in December compared to 36 the month before.

The 36 per cent rise has been attributed to a spate of anti-social behaviour around the Ridgway Road shops and play area with 14 out of 22 offences taking place in the area.

Some 16 crimes involving violence or sexual offences were also reported in the Wrecclesham, Rowledge and The Bourne patch while a burglary at York Road was also investigated during the month.

Finally, there was a slight rise in crime in Weybourne, Badshot Lea and Moor Park in December with 28 being reported, up from 20 in November.

Nearly a quarter of all the crimes reported in the area took place around Hurlands Close with public order, shoplifting and other thefts all being investigated.

More details and breakdown can be found at www.police.uk