Witness appeal following two burglaries in Hook

We are appealing for witnesses and information following reports of two burglaries in Hook yesterday.

At around 4.30am on Monday 11 March, entry was gained to a property on Wild Herons (44240104734).

A car key was stolen from inside the address and a blue Mercedes car was stolen from the driveway.

It was tracked, located and recovered from an address in East London at around 10am.

Meanwhile, at sometime between midnight and 7.45am yesterday, entry was gained to a property on Church View. A handbag and coat were stolen from the address (44240104950).

Both items were found nearby and have been returned to the owner.

Since both incidents were reported to us, officers have been carrying out various enquiries and are now appealing to the public for information.

Were you in the area at the time? Did you witness any suspicious behaviour? Do you have any CCTV images or dashcam footage that may assist our enquiries?

Anyone with information is asked to contact 101, quoting the reference numbers above. Alternatively, you can submit information via https://www.hampshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/

People can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Officers would also like to take the opportunity to remind residents 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/)