Thieves target outbuildings in series of burglaries

POLICE have launched investigations into a string of burglaries in Dibden Purlieu and are warning residents to ensure theirs are secure.

At least 10 of the structures were targeted between last Thursday and Monday, with bicycles and electric bikes among items taken, as well as power tools and gardening tools.

People are being urged to come forward if they can help officers track down those responsible for the burglaries.

A spokesperson for the Hampshire force said: “Did you notice anything suspicious?

“Did you see someone hanging around the area? Perhaps you have CCTV or Ring doorbell footage?”

Break-ins took place at addresses in Oak Road sometime between 3am and 3.20am last Friday (crime reference number: 44200487571), around 4.50pm last Friday (44200487571), shortly after 6pm last Friday (44200487653), around 8.35pm last Friday (44200487811), around 1am last Friday (44200487811); and during last Thursday night (44200487653).

Addresses in Oak Close were hit around 6pm last Friday (44200487654) and last Thursday night (44200487654), as well as one in Beaulieu Road sometime between 2am and 3am last Friday (44200487654).

An outbuilding in Lanehays Road, Hythe, was broken into around 2.20am on Sunday (44200488122).

In the wake of the raids, outbuilding owners have been reminded of steps they can take to ensure they do not fall victim to such incidents.

These include locking them every evening with a reliable and robust lock, and marking any valuable possessions with a property or police-approved forensic marking solution only visible under Ultraviolet light.

Residents should also ensure side gates are locked to prevent access to the rear of their property; and record details of belongings such as serial numbers for electronic goods online at www.immobilise.com

The force spokesperson added: “You know your local communities. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, such as someone tampering with a lock on a neighbour’s shed, please report it to us via 101.”

Anyone with information should contact Hampshire police on 101, quoting the relevant crime reference number, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.