Op Scrooge: One charged and a reduction in reports after Christmas campaign in Test Valley

A festive campaign to tackle shoplifting and ASB in Andover and Romsey has resulted in a drop of reported anti-social behaviour.

Operation Scrooge saw officers from Test Valley’s Neighbourhood Policing Teams carry out high-visibility patrols in town centres to deter shoplifters in the run-up to Christmas.

They also liaised with local businesses and worked with local partners to address the issue and look at long-term solutions.

As part of the campaign, officers investigating a shoplifting at Asda, Anton Mill Road, on the 16 December, have charged a man.

Roman Constantin, 25, of Alexandra Road in Slough, was charged with shoplifting. He is next due to appear before Basingstoke Magistrates Court on 4 January.

A 17-year-old boy from Tidworth was given a community resolution for a theft at the same Asda store on 30 November.

This year, the campaign also focused on tackling anti-social behaviour in Andover town centre and the surrounding area, and included two successful dispersal orders covering the first two weekends of December

The dispersal orders came alongside additional, targeted patrols and saw six people dispersed from the area.

Inspector Chris Taylor said: “This is a good result and I am pleased that the work we have done has resulted in a reduction of anti-social behaviour and shoplifting in December.

“As a result of our dedicated foot patrols we have seen a decrease in reports, especially in the south of the district, and officers are investigating those reports we did receive.

“We have also seen one man charged with the shoplifting in Asda, which is another good result.

“We understand that anti-social behaviour has a serious impact on those who live and work in our communities, and we are committed to tackling this by working with our partners to provide solutions.”