HUNDREDS of pieces of crime prevention equipment were given out to residents across Basingstoke and Deane and Hart following a series of Operation Stronghold roadshows.

Twelve roadshows, which took place between January 26 and March 11, aimed to provide crime prevention advice and materials such as padlocks, door handle alarms and personal alarms for residents to protect themselves.

Organised by the Safer North Hampshire team, council officers, Hampshire Constabulary and Neighbourhood Watch representatives were on hand to provide advice at the events.

David Lipscombe, projects team leader for the Safer North Hampshire community safety team, said: “It was really encouraging to see so many people come out specifically to talk to us and to receive information. We also spoke to a number of individuals who had previously been victims of crime who felt reassured following our help and advice.”