ANDOVER police have stepped up their campaign to catch a man who they believe is responsible for a series of indecent exposures in the River Way and Cricketers Way area of the town.

It's thought to be the worst case of its kind in recent years.

Now police are appealing for the public to call them as quickly as possible if they become a victim.

Andover section Inspector Shona Hood said this week: "The sooner we can get officers on the scene - so that we can conduct a thorough search of the area and preserve any evidence - the better."

There may also be some victims who have not bothered to call the police. "There is a non-reporting element here because some women may pass it off as being not worth calling the police."

She appealed to all victims to call in because, even if they do not regard it as important, anyone could have that vital piece of information which could lead to an arrest.

Following several appeals through the Andover Advertiser, officers took to the streets on Saturday in their latest bid to catch the man, who is thought to be responsible for more than 20 incidents of exposure this year.

Beat bobby Pc Roger Kitson and other officers were on the streets to appeal directlyfor help from the public.

They spoke to passers-by and handed out leaflets detailing a description of the man they are looking for.

As a direct result a woman called in to say that she had been the victim of a similar incident two weeks ago, but had not reported it at the time.

The man police are hunting is described as white, 5ft 8ins to 6ft tall, aged 18 to 30, with very short or shaved, light brown/blond hair and of slim build. He has a pale complexion, prominent cheekbones, large/wide nose, and wore either a baseball cap, beanie hat or hood. He is also said to be a smoker and rides a mountain bike.

Police are also concentrating on the fact that the man is said to have blue and green tattoos on his upper body, including a Celtic-style tattoo on his upper back. Investi-gating officers believe that the tattoos and his description and clothing are so distinctive there must be someone in the town who knows the man.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dc Simon Leese at Andover CID on 0845 045 4545 or Crimestoppers 0800 555111.