Police investigating a vehicle crime spree in the Fareham area have urged drivers to be vigilant as they step up patrols.

Officers will be 'actively patrolling' areas recently affected by criminals following the wave of offences - including at least five incidents recorded in about 24 hours on Tuesday night and into Wednesday.

 

These were

  • Overnight on 2 July, tools were stolen from a van in Cartwright Drive, Titchfield.
  • Overnight on 2 July, someone tried to gain access to a vehicle in Spicewood, Fareham.
  • On 3 July, police received a report that a number plate had been stolen from a car in Southampton Road, Titchfield.
  • On 3 July, it was reported that tools had been stolen from a van.
  • On 3 July police received reports of vans having been stolen in Newtown Road, Warsash and Winnards Park, Sarisbury Green.

A spokesman for the force said: "Police teams are working to identify exact locations and timings of offences, and developing the bigger picture to determine any patterns of offending. We will also look to identify whether there are links to other ongoing investigations in the area and across the county.

"In the meantime, we want our communities to be aware of this type of offending and to remain vigilant - if you see any suspicious individuals or vehicles in your neighbourhood, please report this to police."

The force also issued advice on how to prevent vehicle crime - including protectively marking equipment so that if it is ever lost or stolen, it can be easily returned to you when it is found.

This was as follows:

  • Wherever possible remove your tools from your vehicle and store securely overnight.
  • Mark the tools clearly with your name/company name and address using paint pens and seal with a clear lacquer spray. Other property marking systems are available.
  • Consider using smart/GPS tags on high value items to enable them to be tracked.
  • Use a lockable cabinet within your van to store the tools during the day.
  • Use a small camera designed to record within vehicles.
  • Take photographs of items of value, making a note of the serial numbers and registering them online at a property register site.