Renewed appeal following burglaries in Hill Head, Lee-On-The-Solent, Alverstoke, and Fareham.

You may remember that we issued an appeal back in November following six burglaries and one attempted burglary in Fareham, Hill Head, and Stubbington.

Entry was gained by either forcing windows and doors, or entering windows or doors that had been left insecure.

Over the past few weeks we’ve had another five reported to us in Fareham and Gosport, which we believe might be linked, so we wanted to remind residents of the extra steps they can take to help deter burglars.

The latest incidents happened in the following locations:

• Swordfish Close, Lee-On-The-Solent, on January 15
• Palmerston Way, Alverstoke, January 16
• Catisfield Lane, Fareham, January 17
• Monks Way, Hill Head, February 9
• Pilgrims Way, Hill Head, February 11

High value items, such as jewellery, were stolen during these incidents.

Inspector Richard Thompson said: “We had a great response following our last appeal and we have been working hard following up several lines of enquiry and carrying out extra patrols.

“Unfortunately, the area is still being targeted so we wanted to remind residents of the simple steps they can take to help prevent their homes being targeted.

“Make sure all windows and doors are locked, including those on higher floors as there may be ways they can be accessed.

“Keep all valuables out of sight, don’t leave them on windowsills for example.

“If you’ve seen anything suspicious that could help our enquiries please call 101 or speak to a member of the Neighbourhood Policing Team, which is regularly patrolling the affected areas”.

We’d like to take this opportunity to remind you of the following 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.
• 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.
• Do not leave ladders and garden tools in your garden; lock them away in your shed.
• Have an intruder alarm system installed by an approved contractor. 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/)