CRIME levels in the Tidworth section have increased for the first time in several years says the area's police section commander Paul Oatway.

The first six months of the policing year, which starts on 1 April, looks set to show an increase of 20 per cent compared to the same period last year.

Tidworth section includes Ludgershall, the Collingbournes and a number of smaller communities.

It is a statistic that Sgt Oatway aims to nip in the bud. "It is the largest increase this area has seen in many, many years and is entirely down to the activities of eight to 10 juveniles," he told a meeting of the south east Kennet area forum.

"All parents have been spoken to but many have taken very little notice. This small number of people have the ability to throw the success of the past few years off target."

Work was already taking place to bring in anti-social behaviour orders including the new 'pre-conviction' type of ASBO.

"I am also looking at whether it will be possible to introduce a naming and shaming policy if we can," he added.

One bright spot was the area's detection rate which remains the highest of any police section in the county.