THEFTS, burglaries and criminal damage were just some of the crimes reported to police in the Fordingbridge area.

A report for the Fordingbridge Town beat was given to Fordingbridge Town Council at its meeting on Wednesday (April 6) was told for March there had been 88 crimes reported to police - 43 of which were "recorded" as crimes.

The incidents included in the report were crimes relevant to the wider community rather than more personal offences like domestic violence.

Of the incidents reported last month, there were five thefts including two thefts from a vehicle and two thefts of a vehicle and one of a pedal cycle.

The meeting heard that the investigation into the burglaries reported on High Street last month was taking "positive strides" and enquires were ongoing.

Break-ins were reported at The Cottage Loaf and The Dolls House Restaurant and Tearoom along with an attempted burglary between Saturday March 12 and the following day (Sunday 13 March 13).

There were also nine non dwelling burglaries which include garages, sheds and outbuildings. These included two confirmed break-ins to garages and sheds where tools were stolen.

One dwelling burglary had been reported where a person attempted to enter a house via the back garden, trying to gain entry by force through the back door. The meeting heard in this case no access was gained into the property.

Eight cases of criminal damage which included reports of damage at the public toilets where a plastic bin was damaged and toilets flooded. But there were no witnesses to this incident.

Two reports of damage to the roof of Avonway Community Centre were also made.

Councillors were also told that there had been two incidents of people making off without paying at the petrol station in Fordingbridge.

This was in addition to four cases of public order.

During the meeting antisocial behaviour was also discussed. A representative from the neighbourhood policing team responsible for the Fordingbridge Town area said "antisocial behaviour was evident in the town at the moment" and was a "priority" for the policing team.

Mayor, Cllr Edward Hale said a resident had raised concerns about younger children being out on the streets: "It is sad if there are younger children now out harrassing some of the residents."

Officers from the policing team have been working on educating children on the impact this type of behaviour has on people.

As previously reported in the Journal officers are working with partners, including Fordingbridge Town Council, to address these issues. They have been doing high-visibility routine patrols as well as providing crime prevention advice.

A number of teenagers have also received a Community Resolution Order or home visits to discuss their behaviour.

 

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