POLICE have received a number of reports relating to suspicious activity and burglaries in the Winklebury area.

A number of homes and vehicles have had their handles 'tried', with homes thought to have been ‘targeted’ due to lack of lighting/nobody appearing to be home.

There have been two reported incidents where properties have been broken into and handbags have been stolen.

Both incidents took place in the early hours of February 1, in Kenilworth Road where thieves broke into the properties and took a total of four handbags.

A third attempted break-in was made on February 5, in Hawthorn Way, but no entry was gained.

PCSO Katie Walker said: “We are aware of the situation and have increased our patrols in the area, however we would like to remind our residents that the best way to keep your homes and vehicles secure is by ensuring that they are locked and that keys are not left in the back of the door or in the vicinity where an implement could be used to hook them through the door.
 
“Most burglaries are opportunistic and therefore any security features such as motion activated lighting, CCTV cameras and home security alarms are good deterrents.

“These can serve to make your home a less desirable option if it raises the likelihood of an offender being caught.”

Officers have been in the area speaking to residents and offering crime prevention advice.

Residents are reminded to ensure all windows and doors are locked and cars are left secured.

For more crime prevention advice please visit hampshire.police.uk/internet/advice-and-information/crime-prevention/.

If you have any information on the incidents below, contact Basingstoke CID on 101 quoting the relevant reference number.

Reports of a man acting suspiciously around parked cars in Elmwood Way around 9.30pm on February 5 – 44170046621.

Reports of two men acting suspiciously in Warwick Road at around 4.45am on February 7. Officers were deployed but there was no trace of the men – 44170048148.

Attempted burglary at an address in Hawthorn Way around 4am on February 5. Entry not gained – 44170045721.

Burglary at an address in Kenilworth Road, in the early hours of February 1. Entry gained via front door and a handbag was stolen from inside – 44170040060.

Burglary at an address in Kenilworth Road in the early hours of February 1. Three handbags were stolen – 44170040003.