An updated crime map seems to have reinforced Haslemere’s reputation as a hotspot for “posh middle-aged shoplifters”.

The latest www.police.uk figures show the M&S Foodhall was the most “crime-ridden” area of the town in January with 11 shoplifting offences being reported in or around the Lion Green store.

The incidents accounted for nearly a quarter of all crimes across the patch with 49 being altogether reported.

Violent and sexual offences (VSOs) are usually the most commonly reported but this wasn’t the case in the Shottermill, Critchmere, Hindhead, Beacon Hill, Churt and Weyhill patch.

Shoplifting and VSOs accounted for 13 and 11 of all the crimes reported, respectively, with eight reports of anti-social behaviour also being made during the month.

Three vehicle crimes were also reported around Beacon Hill and Hindhead during the month, with the police also investigating separate burglaries on Cherry Tree Avenue and Hill Road.

Crime levels remain steady in the patch as the total figure has hovered around the 49 mark since November.

It’s better news in the Haslemere, Grayswood and Chiddingfold patch with crime dropping to its second lowest level for a year in January.

Some 30 crimes were reported with VSOs accounting for a third of all incidents.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, shoplifting (5) was the next frequently reported crime with the West Street shopping area being a hotspot.

Police also investigated five reports of criminal damage, and three incidents involving anti-social behaviour.

More worryingly, a robbery was reported on Chiltern Close while burglaries took place on Killingshurst Lane and Parsons Green during the month.

Data for the Fernhurst patch has either not yet been correlated, or there’s been an incredible drop in crime with the map reporting zero incidents compared to 26 in December. That would be a terrific late Christmas present for Sussex Police if true.