Hart and Rushmoor residents urged to be on their guard following recent burglary reports

We are warning residents in Hart and Rushmoor to be on their guard following a number of burglaries in the past two days.

This comes after seven dwelling burglaries were reported to have taken place in Fleet and Hartley Wintney since Wednesday 15 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 either the back or front of the property has been smashed.

We are investigating:

• A burglary at an address on Kevins Grove in Fleet. Between 11am and 7.45pm on 15 November, a property was accessed. A small TV and camera were stolen. (Reference: 44230468028)
• A burglary at an address on Kevins Grove in Fleet. Between 12pm and 10.45pm on 15 November, a property was accessed. Nothing has been reported stolen. (Reference: 44230468228)
• A burglary at an address on Tavistock Road in Fleet. At 4.12am on 16 November, we received a report that a property had been accessed. At this time, it is unclear whether anything was stolen. (Reference: 44230468375)
• A burglary at an address on Tavistock Road in Fleet. Between 4pm and 9.15pm on 15 November, a property was accessed. Cash was stolen. (Reference: 44230468154)
• A burglary at an address on Turbary Road in Fleet. Between 12pm and 8.50pm on 16 November, a property was accessed. Vehicle keys were taken and a VW Golf was stolen from the driveway. (Reference: 44230469690)
• A burglary at an address on Reynolds Street in Fleet. Between 6am and 9pm on 16 November, a property was accessed. Gold jewellery was stolen. (Reference: 44230469716)
• A burglary at an address on Cottage Green in Hartley Wintney. Just before 8pm on 15 November, a property was accessed. Keys were taken from inside the address and a BMW was stolen from the driveway. Yesterday (16 November), officers located the stolen vehicle and it has since been returned to the owner (Reference: 44230468032)

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/)