HAMPSHIRE police have reported a decrease in the number of burglary reports following their focused efforts to tackle the crime. 

In September 2022, Hampshire Constabulary made a commitment that they would attend every single dwelling burglary report they received. 

Following officers relentlessly pursuing criminals, police have seen a decrease in reports in recent months.

From April 2022 to April 2023 against the previous twelve months, there were 5,653 burglary reports, a reduction of 197, against the 2021-22 total of 5,850.

In the first three months of 2023, police secured 44 burglary charges, which compares to 36 in the first three months of 2022.

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Officers have also seen a number of positive burglary-related results in recent months. 

Such as a 35-year-old man from Farnborough in March who was charged in connection with a burglary on Loggon Road in Basingstoke where items including a wallet, clothing, and food were stolen. His case is still proceeding through the courts.

Tina Lowe, Detective Superintendent, said: “We’re pleased that we have maintained our burglary attendance levels since the commitment was made to our communities last September ahead of the national adoption of the same approach later that month.

"However, there is always more work to be done to tackle these kinds of offences. In a small number of cases it may be impractical for us to attend due to the length of time since the offence took place, or for example, if the victim has a specific reason as to why they do not wish for us to attend because they would prefer instead to speak to officers at a police station."

Hampshire police aim to continue to reduce the number of burglaries taking place, charge more suspects, and ensure that victims receive a consistently high level of service in our response.

The force has upskilled their officers that initially investigate burglaries to make the most of the lines of enquiry available at the earliest opportunity.

Tina Lowe added: “By attending all residential dwelling burglary reports, we are sending a very clear message that we will not tolerate these crimes. We want to give ourselves the very best opportunity to disrupt and deter crime, and catch those criminals who are responsible”.

Their improved investigations have also allowed the police to see "clear links to other forms of criminality" such as drug supply or organised crime.

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Donna Jones, Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), said: “As Commissioner, I made sure Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary was the first force in the country to make the commitment to attend every burglary because this is about getting the first response right.  

“Whilst I’m pleased burglary reports have gone down and charges have gone up, the increase in charge rates isn’t good enough.

“Attending all burglaries is what victims of crime rightly expect, but it is only one part of the process. Investigations must be improved and expedited." 

PCC Donna Jones explained she will be speaking to the chief constable regularly to see where these improvements can be made over the coming months.

The police continue to advise Hampshire communities to follow their crime prevention advice by leaving doors and windows locked.

For more information on how to keep your home secure, go to hampshire.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/residential-burglary/