A MOBILE police unit in the Test Valley has been helping authorities get the upper hand over criminals.

Although beauty-spot crime has been a major problem, particularly in the summer, it is being tackled successfully.

The Rural Mobile Police Unit began its patrols last June and since it has been on the road, a 12 per cent reduction in burglary, damage, theft, and vehicle crime has been noted in comparison to the same time frame last year.

A spokesman said: "We are confident that its presence is a contributing factor to the drop in crime. We also receive a lot of positive feedback from reassured people who live at the places it visits."

The mobile station covers Test Valley, with the exception of Romsey and Andover, and is crewed by two officers. One stays inside for residents to talk to and the other patrols surrounding areas on foot.

Villages, beauty spots and remote car parks are firmly on their agenda, which is frequently varied so criminals are unable to predict their movement.

The station is based in Stockbridge, but goes to villages, including Mottisfont, Broughton, Longstock and North Baddesley.

The police officers also issue cards to motorists to leave in their vehicles stating that there are no valuables insides.

PC John Viney, who mans the unit, said: "I know it has been effective. We are a visible presence, but we also help people help themselves.

"We know some people take all of their valuables out of their car and put them in the boot, and when they do that, sometimes they are being watched."

Theft from vehicles has become popular because of the large number of portable devices that are stashed in cars while motorists walk dogs or go for exercise themselves.

Hand-held computers, laptops, mobile phones, satnav systems and mobile entertainment units are easy to steel and easy to sell on.

PC Ian Robinson, who also works the rural beat on the unit, said: "The majority of people believe we are useful, as we are putting policing back in the villages.

"Some residents at the places we go say they haven't seen a police officer walking through their village for over 20 years."

"But Hampshire Constabulary is committed to rural policing and the use of this mobile station is four-fold.

"It enhances the policing of the Test Valley and is a visible presence. It is also here to aid the public and reassure them and it is a visible deterrent to criminal activity."