The rising cost of petrol was a factor in the district’s latest crime figures which revealed a huge increase in the number of drivers making off without paying.

Fleet beat sergeant Dave Hill said it was now a big problem at Fleet Services.

“Diesel has reached £1.33 per litre and that has an impact on the number of drivers making off without payment,” he said.

“There are a huge number of drivers doing this and we are trying to reduce this. Fleet is generally a low crime area.”

The district’s overall crime figures for April/May compare favourably with the same period the previous year.

However, Blackwater and Hawley showed concerning increases in certain levels of crime, despite an overall reduction of reported crime by 4.5%.

Public disorder and assaults were cut by more than half from 28 reported incidents the  previous year to 12. However, nine more burglaries of homes were reported.

In Yateley total crime reported fell by 8.9%, but burglary doubled as four house burglaries were reported this year.

Adrian Collett, chairman of Blackwater and Hawley Town Council and vice-chairman of the Police Authority, welcomed the introduction of an extra 300 police community support officers and said people felt more able to report crime.

Two councillors, David Simpson and Chris Axam,  disclosed that their homes had been burgled in the past.

Cllr Simpson (Yateley North) spoke passionately about the effects of burglary, with his own home having been burgled three years ago.

He said he had his home steam cleaned afterwards to try to wash away the memory that someone had been through the family home.

Fleet North has a total reduction of 29.5% in crimes for the period.

However, three homes were burgled — none were burgled over the same period in 2007.

Cllr Steven Parker (Fleet North), said: “Three is a very low number. Hart is a very safe place to live, but any burglary is a concern.”

Fleet West and Courtmoor was much the same, with overall crime down by 10.8%, but the one burglary reported over April/May 2007 rose to three this time.

Chris Axam, ward councillor for Fleet and Courtmoor, said: “In general Hart is the safest district to live in the whole of Hampshire.

“The figure as a percentage can be misleading. I have been burgled in the past and know what it feels to know that someone has been in your home.

“Three burglaries is three too many. The police are working with the community safety team, and the fact that other crimes are down is great.

“We report every crime that happens in the area, unlike other places that do not always do that.”

Fleet Central and Pondtail had an impressive quarter with figures falling in all categories and total reported crime down by 12.8%.

Odiham saw a dip in most of its reported crime, with a 13% overall reduction.

Hartley Wintney reduced its level of reported crime by 23.1%.

Church Crookham had an extremely successful quarter, with no increase in any level of crime and an overall reduction of 24% in reported crime.

Sgt Hill said: “It is very good but we will try very hard to reduce this further.

“Public disorder, assaults, criminal damage and vehicle crime are all down. We have shown an increase in burglary, which may be due to Fleet Services (M3) and the higher value of goods.”

In Eversley, there were 14 incidents reported, a rise from just five in the same quarter last year.

Inspector Geoff Scrutton said: “Any crime in Hart is a crime too many and we are working hard with partner agencies and people in the community to ensure Hart remains a safe place for everyone to live, work and visit.

“Burglary, Class A drugs, alcohol related violence and vehicle crime are the priorities for this command unit and we will continue to focus our resources on reducing crime in these areas.

“A number of proactive policing operations are ongoing to tackle these issues.

“A 20-year-old has been arrested and bailed in connection with nine burglaries in the Blackwater area, and a pub closure order was successfully obtained to prevent serious public disorder.

“Our beat teams also regularly hold beat surgeries throughout the district which give members of the public an opportunity to engage with their local officers and raise any concerns they have."