POLICE in Southampton are urging retailers to act responsibly when selling safety hammers after an increase in the number of criminal incidents involving the tool.

The hammers, that are usually no more than 20cm in length, are usually found in trains, coaches and buses and are used to break glass in emergencies.

Recently crimes involving the breaking of glass have been on the increase across Southampton.

At least two incidents have also been reported in the city where a hammer has been used during an alleged robbery and on another occasion was used to threaten a victim.

Police believe this may have something to do with increased availability of the hammers.

As a result police are sending out a warning that anyone caught carrying a hammer will be treated as "going equipped" for a crime and arrested on suspicion of that offence.

Crime reduction officer Laura Rich said: "I have spoken to retailers and they have co-operated fully with the police. They have implemented a procedure that anyone under the age of 18 will not be able to purchase one of these hammers.

"Safety hammers have a single function, to aid in the event of an emergency. We will deal with anyone caught with a hammer on them that is not for that legitimate purpose.

"Safety conscious members of the public may decide to purchase a safety hammer for the home, caravan or their private vehicle. They are however advised that these should be kept in an accessible place but hidden from view."