Officers from the Andover Neighbourhood Policing Team have arrested two teenage boys in connection with multiple incidents of anti-social behaviour and criminal offences in the town centre.
Over recent weeks, police have received a number of reports relating to disorder, harassment, assaults and shoplifting in Andover. As part of ongoing work to address these concerns, officers have now made two arrests linked to several of the reported incidents.
A 14-year-old boy from Andover was arrested on suspicion of involvement in the following:
- An assault on London Road on 24 November
- Harassment on Winchester Street on 11 November
- An assault on a security guard on River Way on 10 December
- Two public order incidents at Tesco, River Way, on 18 December and 5 January
- Shoplifting from Tesco, River Way, on 5 January
- Attempted theft from Waitrose in the Chantry Centre on 21 December
A 16-year-old boy from Andover was arrested on suspicion of:
- Two thefts from Boots in the Chantry Centre on 20 and 29 December
- Harassment in the Chantry Centre on 30 December
- A public order incident in the Chantry Centre on 3 January
- Harassment towards staff at Tesco, River Way, on 5 January
- Theft of energy drinks from Tesco, River Way, on 5 January
- A public order incident and an assault on 11 January
- Attempted theft from Waitrose in the Chantry Centre on 21 December
Both teenagers have since been released on bail while enquiries continue.
Local Inspector John Stribley said:
“I hope these arrests provide reassurance to our community that we are working hard to combat anti-social behaviour and criminality in the area.
“We will not tolerate this behaviour and are taking a robust approach wherever possible.
“We will continue to work with our partners to tackle these issues and safeguard residents and businesses. Please continue reporting incidents to us – we take them seriously and will take action.”
Police are encouraging anyone affected by anti-social behaviour or criminal activity to continue reporting incidents via 101, or 999 in an emergency.