Recorded crime fell to its joint-lowest level for a year in the Petersfield area in January.

But some of the data is concerning with three incidents involving the possession of offensive weapons being reported in the town centre.

Some 57 crimes were recorded during the month with the figure down 20 per cent on the 72 in December according to the latest statistics on www.police.uk

Crimes involving violence or sexual offences were the most frequently reported on 21 with anti-social behaviour, criminal damage and shoplifting the next most frequent with five apiece.

Burglaries were reported on Heath Road and Grange Road, a robbery took place on Charles Street, and two offences involving drugs occurred in the Bedford Road area.