Residents urged to be on their guard following recent burglary reports in Basingstoke

We are warning residents in Basingstoke to be on their guard following a number of burglaries in the past two weeks. 

This comes after 13 dwelling burglaries were reported to have taken place between 29 October and 8 November. Work is ongoing to establish the exact circumstances of these incidents and whether they are connected.

The burglaries happened at various times of the day, with residential properties being targeted. Typically, entry has been gained after a window at the rear of the property has been smashed.

We are investigating:

• A burglary at an address on St Leonard’s Avenue. Between 6pm on 6 November and 3.12pm on 8 November, a property was accessed. Nothing was reported stolen. (Reference: 44230457144)
• A burglary at an address on Constable Close. Between 4am on 29 October and 6.45pm on 7 November, a property was accessed. Nothing was reported stolen. (Reference: 44230455977)
• A burglary at an address on Cumberland Avenue. Between 8.30am on Friday 3 November and 8.30am on Tuesday 7 November, a property was accessed. A car key and cash was stolen. (Reference: 44230455319)
• A burglary at an address on Appleton Drive. Between 2pm on 6 November and 10.30am on 7 November, a property was accessed. Nothing was reported stolen. (Reference: 44230455297)
• A burglary at an address on Cumberland Avenue. Between 5pm on 29 October and midnight on 6 November, a property was accessed. A safe, jewellery and Premium Bond certificates were stolen. (Reference: 44230454603)
• A burglary at an address on Stocker Close. Between 7.30am and 9.40pm on 6 November, a property was accessed. Jewellery and cash was stolen. (Reference: 44230454529)
• A burglary at an address on Wiltshire Crescent. Between 5pm and 6pm on 6 November, a property was accessed. Nothing was reported stolen. (Reference: 44230454441)
• A burglary at an address on Pendennis Close. Between 4pm on 5 November and 6.30pm on 6 November, a property was accessed. Jewellery was stolen. (Reference: 44230454359)
• A burglary at an address on Ilsley Road. Between 2.30pm and 8pm on 5 November, a property was accessed. Cash and luxury handbags were stolen. (Reference: 44230452831)
• A burglary at an address on Raphael Close. Between 11am and 7.30pm on 5 November, a property was accessed. Nothing was reported stolen. (Reference: 44230452804)
• A burglary at an address on Western Way. Between 6.30pm and 9pm on 4 November, a property was accessed. Nothing was reported stolen. (Reference: 44230451761)
• A burglary at an address on Wolfson Drive. Between 7.40pm and 11pm on 3 November, a property was accessed. Jewellery and cash was stolen. (Reference: 44230450625)
• A burglary at an address on Oakridge Road. Between 5.30pm and 8.20pm, a property was accessed. Jewellery and cash was stolen. (Reference: 44230450494)

We would like to hear from anyone with information on any of these incidents. Did you notice anything suspicious? Perhaps you saw someone hanging around the area? Do you have relevant CCTV or Ring doorbell footage that could be reviewed by officers?

Anyone with information can call 101 with the relevant reference number listed with the incident above or make a report via the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website - https://www.hampshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/.

Officers will be conducting high-visibility patrols in the local area to offer further reassurance to the local community. If residents have any concerns, then please speak to officers who are on patrol. 

We also wanted to take the opportunity to remind you of our burglary crime prevention advice:

• Shut all windows and lock them when you are not using the room, at night and when you leave your property
• Lock all front and rear doors at night and when you are out. If you have a UPVC door with a multi-point lock ensure you lift the handle and lock it with the key. Remove the key after the door or window is locked.
• Put all car keys and other keys out of sight and not in reach of windows and letterboxes; it doesn't take much for the keys to be hooked through the letterbox. Place your keyless car keys in a Faraday pouch, which can block signals meaning would-be-opportunists can’t copy your car key and gain entry to your vehicle. 
• Leave a light on so your home looks occupied if you are going out for the evening. If you head out while it is still daylight and won't be back till after dark then timer switches (available from most DIY stores) can be useful for turning your lights, radios and other appliances on at a set time before you get back.
• Ensure side gates are locked to prevent access to the rear of the property.
• Have an intruder alarm system installed. Ensure a visible alarm box is attached to the outside of your home. Also consider fitting security lighting.
• Use door chains and spy holes to give you extra security if someone knocks on your door. Never be afraid to turn people away. If you have concerns about anyone who has come to your door call the police.
• Record the details of your property such as serial numbers for electronic goods on the Immobilise website (https://www.immobilise.com/)