MORE than 20 residents met city police officers on Tuesday evening to discuss crime within the Winchester Town area.

The PACT meeting, held at St Peter’s Church in Jewry Street, saw an opportunity for concerned residents to share their views on crime in the city.

However, the meeting heard that there was little to report.

Concerns over some cyclists ignoring highways rules and purse thefts in shops were raised.

Residents were given advice on how to prevent thefts while out shopping, and there was also advice on how not to be caught out by ever-changing scam techniques, whether they be in person or online.

PCSO Neil Parker, part of the local policing team for Winchester Central, said that the team’s current priority was tackling burglaries.

PCSO Parker told residents: “It’s not a major problem in Winchester, but it is something we do take seriously.”

The meeting also heard from Andy Murphy, of Winchester City Council’s neighbourhood services team.

He told residents that the council would be meeting new Winchester University students living in the community over the coming weeks in a bid to build a positive relationship with those starting the new academic year.

Residents were urged to contact the council or the university when issues arose regarding students so they could take action to stamp out any problems.