POLICE in Andover have launched a campaign to crack down on flashers in a bid to halt a worrying spate of indecent exposures.

A series of indecent exposures against young women in the town is causing concern to Andover police who are anxious to prevent the problem escalating.

With more than 12 reported incidents so far this year, investigating officers are keen to catch the flashers and they want the public to help identify the culprits.

A spokesperson for the police said: "While there is no specific location where these incidents occur, the target in most cases is teenage school girls who are on their way to or from school, although some occurrences have taken place after 8pm. We urge young girls in particular and women in general, to be aware and vigilant when moving around town and to contact us immediately if the are subjected to this obscene act."

To date incidents have occurred mainly in the Roman Way/King Arthur's Way area of Andover and within the town's St Mary's churchyard.

Although officers are investigating all these cases, they are also anxious to hear from any woman or girl who may have suffered a similar fate and failed to report it, to do so as soon as possible. They say this could provide them with additional information that could help to identify those responsible, or enable them to build a clearer picture of the problem.

Detectives say women should be particularly wary of any man who approaches them especially if he requests the time or asks for directions. If approached in this way they should try to get a good description of the person and call the police.

Anyone with information should contact West Hamp-shire police on 0845 045 45 45 or report it anonymously on the Crimestoppers Hotline: 0800 555 111.