POLICE officers are advising residents to keep their homes secure following reports of garage break-ins.

Hampshire police received two reports of garages being broken into or being attempted in the Otterbourne Walk area of Basingstoke between 9pm on December 27 and just after midnight on December 28.

Officers are now conducting targeted patrols and appealing for more information on the incidents. Anyone with any CCTV footage, videos or screenshots of possible offenders, should contact Hampshire Constabulary on 101, quoting reference number 44230528236.

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Basingstoke Police posted on Facebook: “We are advising residents to -

1. Add as many layers of security to make accessing your home more difficult. This could include installing CCTV or video doorbells – which can then be used for evidential purposes in the event of a crime.

2. A house that appears occupied is less likely to be targeted by burglars, installing light switch timers inside the house can help make it appear occupied. Likewise, dusk to dawn or sensor lighting to the front and rear of your home can help deter potential thieves.

3. Keep high value, easily portable jewellery and equipment from being visible through a window and don’t forget to register them at https://orlo.uk/yqwlR

4. Keep garden equipment and ladders locked away. Visit https://orlo.uk/w3eZ0 for tested and approved locks.”