POLICE have issued advice after a series of reports of thefts and burglaries across the south of Basingstoke in recent weeks.

An update issued via the Hampshire Alert system reports over the past couple of weeks there have been a number of reports of theft from vehicles, and burglaries from sheds and outbuildings.

Advice has been issued about how to avoid becoming a victim of such crimes, which includes:

• Keep all valuables out of sight. Do not show people that there are valuables in a car and they might be less likely to break in. This should include satnavs, money, and sunglasses.

• Have a sufficient lock on sheds/outbuildings and make sure this is attached properly.

• Park vehicles in a well-lit area and have lights over outbuildings.

More advice can be found at hampshire.police.uk/advice/protecting-your-home-and-belongings.

The update adds: “Generally crimes over the south of Basingstoke have been low, but anti-social behavior has increased slightly due to longer hours and the summer holidays.

“The local officers are trying to be in the right area at the right time, but we understand they move from one spot to another. If you have any problems with anti-social behavior contact us on 101 or 999 in an emergency.”