Police are appealing for witnesses after a series of burglaries in Four Marks between Tuesday, February 23 and Wednesday, February 25.
Between the two dates an unoccupied bungalow in Blackberry Lane, that is being renovated, was broken into. However nothing was stolen.
There were also a number of burglaries to sheds in the surrounding area. Three sheds in Blackberry Lane, two sheds in Bernard Avenue and another shed in Weathermore Lane were all broken into. Items of gardening equipment were stolen from the sheds.
PC Ross George, of the Alton Targeted Patrol Team, said: “We would ask anyone with any information about these burglaries to contact us as soon as possible.
“Residents are encouraged to contact us if they see any suspicious activity in their neighbourhood.
“We would also remind everyone to consider having their property marked so that if it is stolen and recovered it can be easily returned.”
Hampshire Constabulary offers the following advice:
- Make sure your garage or shed is fitted with a good strong lock, padlock, door hinges or other security device.
- Ensure that glass in any windows to garages or sheds is secure and that you have window locks fitted if appropriate. You could consider putting up curtains to prevent anyone seeing the contents of your garage or shed.
- Do not store large quantities of valuables in your shed/garage. Consider other forms of storage.
- Large items can be padlocked together or you could sink a post into the floor of the garage or shed and padlock any items to that post.
- If your garage is not in regular use, ensure that you visit it regularly to check for any signs of damage, or ask a neighbour or friend to keep an eye on it.
- If you rent your garage, check with your landlord for permission before making any changes to the property.
- Consider security lighting if appropriate.
- Check with your insurance company that you are covered for items stored in your shed/garage.
- Fit battery operated shed alarms and mark your property to enable it to be returned should it be stolen and recovered.
Can you help?
Anyone with information is asked to contact PC George at Alton 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.
