An East Hampshire town has secured local bragging rights in an investigation to find the country’s safest area.

Alton is the third safest place to live in Hampshire according to a study by Alliance Security.

Petersfield is in tenth but there’s no place for Whitehill & Bordon in the table based on data from Hampshire Police, The Office of National Statistics and www.crimerate.co.uk

The ‘historic market town of Alton’ boasts a low crime rate and strong community spirit according to the compilers.

Its 34.2 crimes per 1,000 residents is less than half the 79.5 national average while reports of violent and property crime (7.1 and 11.9 per 1,000 residents, respectively) are below the 29.9 and 31.4 national figures.

Alton also “benefits from a robust police presence” while its convenient and safe transport options make commuting “easy and stress-free”.

It’s in good company as it came third behind winners Fleet and Hartley Wintney and ahead of Winchester and Lymington in the top five.

The report for Petersfield is shorter and there’s no breakdown of figures in the report, but has a low crime rate according to the compilers.

It also offers a “blend of historic charm and modern amenities” with good schools, local markets and beautiful surrounding countryside.

Hook, Fareham, Bishop’s Waltham and Brockenhurst were also in the top ten while Farnham was rated the fourth safest place to live in Surrey in an earlier survey, for more details visit https://www.alliancesecurity.co.uk/blog/