Police are appealing for information after Christmas trees were stolen from two garden centres in Titchfield.
Sometime overnight between 4.30pm on November 28, and 9am on Tuesday, November 29, offender(s) gained access to a locked car park area at the front of Park Place Farm Nursery and stole 49 Christmas trees.
In the early hours of Tuesday, November 29, between 3.45am and 4.20am, offenders stole about 100 trees from Silver Springs Garden Centre.
Police are keeping an open mind as to whether these two incidents are linked.
PC Martin Jones said: “Both these garden centres in a rural location, but are on Fontley Road and Titchfield Lane which is a well-used route between Wickham and Titchfield.
“It is possible that members of the public may have seen something and presumed the trees were being delivered.”
Can you help?
Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Jones at Meon Valley police station on 101 or call the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111. Mini-Com users can call 01962 875000. From outside Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, please call 0845 045 45 45. To contact an officer please use our Contact an Officer Form
44110503855
Notes to editors –
There are some simple steps sellers can take to help avoid becoming a victim of this crime –
• Check your premises regularly – at least first thing in the morning and last thing at night and look for any signs of suspicious activity
• Review your security arrangements – ensure perimeter fencing is intact, ensure you are using suitable padlocks and make sure they are locked
• If you have to store your trees outside, leave them un-netted and store the netting equipment separately. This will act as a deterrent as they will be harder to move and transport
• Encourage your staff to be vigilant and report anything suspicious to us on 101.
