Police in Fleet are urging residents to take steps to secure their homes and avoid becoming easy targets for criminal damage.

On Friday, October 10 a window was smashed by a group of youths at an address in Fleet. PC Paul Franks, of the Fleet Safer Neighbourhoods team, said: “There is no justification for acts like this and it is unacceptable. “We would urge anyone who witnesses criminal damage in Fleet to contact the local police station as soon as possible. “Residents are reminded to ensure their homes are as secure as possible to avoid these kinds of crime.”

Hampshire Constabulary offers the following advice: Consider installing a security light, this will warn off potential criminals.

• Keep gates locked and consider defensible planting where possible
• Trellis can be added to fences to make them more difficult to climb over
• Keep valuable garden ornaments out of sight