Hampshire Constabulary

Police in Basingstoke are reminding residents to secure their homes following several burglaries in the area.

In the early hours of Thursday, January 26, police received reports of suspicious activity in Oakridge and Popley, including people noticing security lights activating and hearing noises close to their homes. Officers were deployed and conducted a thorough search of the area.

Reports of people being burgled overnight have since been made to police. There was an attempted burglary at a house in Maple Crescent in Oakridge, a burglary at Wateridge Road, Oakridge, and two burglaries in Popley – in Pitcairn Close and Abbey Road. There were also reports of suspicious incidents in Stratfield Road, Oakridge.

Detective Inspector Lee McClellan said: “We want to take this opportunity to remind people of the importance of making sure their doors and windows are fully secured whenever they leave the property and also overnight.

“In the majority of these incidents, offenders are looking to exploit insecurities, so the message is simple, don’t give them an easy option – lock it or lose it.”

Teams of officers have been out patrolling in the area to reassure the community and they will continue to do so.

DI McClellan added: “If you see something suspicious or have any information about these burglary incidents, please tell us as soon as possible.”