POLICE in the Test Valley have stopped and arrested more people in the first three months of 2024. 

Stop and search figures revealed that 136 people were stopped from January to March compared to 111 in the last three months of 2023. 

Arrests also increased from 14 to 19. The most common reason for a stop and search was drugs, with 94 people. The other reasons were offensive weapon – 23, going equipped – nine, stolen property – eight and article – criminal damage – three.

The data also showed that black people are 1.5 times more likely to be stopped and searched than white people. 

Hayley O’Grady, Test Valley chief inspector, said: “Test Valley stop and search figures have continued to rise again in the last quarter from 111 to 136 and our disproportionality figures have reduced.

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“We are arresting more people than we have done for a while, which is represented in the positive outcome figures and a good sign that officers are using their powers legitimately. 

“Burglary is one of the biggest areas of concern within Test Valley and I take it personally when individuals think they can enter people’s homes or businesses and steal what doesn’t belong to them. So I’m really pleased to see that we are still increasing the number of searches for going equipped, which as I explained last time is the preparatory offence for burglars. This means we’re trying to intercept and prevent burglaries from happening. Burglary is a district priority and I will continue to ask my officers to robustly target these individuals wherever they can and use their stop and search powers effectively. 

“We also continue to make Test Valley a hostile place for County lines and those individuals intent on exploiting vulnerable people and causing harm. This is demonstrated in the increase in drug and weapon stop searches.

“Drug related harm is not something I will ever tolerate and will always support officers in reducing violence and protecting vulnerable people.”