HAMPSHIRE MPs met the Police and Crime Commissioner in Westminster to discuss rural crime and speeding.

Southampton Test MP Alan Whitehead met Donna Jones with other Hampshire MPs including Sir Desmond Swayne, Flick Drummond and Maria Miller. 

Also present were Deputy PCC Terry Norton and Acting Chief Constable Ben Snuggs.

Flick Drummond recently held a rural crime forum in her constituency of Meon Valley where the issue remains a big concern.

Most major rural crime is committed by a small number of mobile gangs and cooperation between different forces is crucial and will bring results, said Ms Drummond.

She was also told officers are still working to introduce average speed cameras on the A32 and A272 near Alresford in response to her campaign about speeding and noisy traffic.

The latest is the project needs input from Hampshire County Council and Ms Drummond will be following up.

“I was pleased to meet up with Donna and get important updates on a range of crime issues that affect my constituents,” she said.

“It is vital we all work together as Hampshire MPs, the PCC and the police themselves to counter crime in all its guises.

“Rural crime and speeding remain top priorities.”

The meeting also discussed “county lines” drug distribution networks and knife crime.

Flick was told Operation Sceptre has seen Hampshire Constabulary arrest 48 people and recover 213 knives.