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I wanted to provide you with an update regarding Theft - (shoplifting, personal, other), which people around your area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the priority survey. Keep shopping areas safe during the Christmas period and into the New Year – that’s the aim of a campaign that launches today in Andover and Romsey.
Operation Scrooge will see officers carry out regular, dedicated foot patrols in the town centres and retail parks to deter shoplifters and anti-social behaviour (ASB).
They will also liaise with retailers during the campaign, as well working with schools and charities to divert people away from ASB.
The campaign will be supported by Andover and Romsey’s Neighbourhood Policing Teams, the District Patrol Teams, Neighbourhood Enforcement Teams and Priority Crime Teams.
It starts today (Monday 1 December) and is due to finish at the end of January.
Test Valley district Inspector John Stribley said: “Our aim is to detect and deter crime and anti-social behaviour in the run up to Christmas and into January.
“More and more people will be using our town centres, and we want people to be safe and feel safe when they do.
“We will be out every day to carry out foot patrols, work with the shops and provide crime prevention advice.
“These tactics have worked over the festive period in previous years, and we are committed to deal with any issues robustly.
“We can only do this with the support of the public. Please continue to report crime and anti-social behaviour to us via the 101 number or via our website. In an emergency, always dial 999.”
We would like to take this opportunity to remind people of steps they can take to protect their property.
For shoppers, remember to:
• never leave a bag unattended in a trolley, even if for a couple of seconds
• make sure your handbag is closed
• try to keep wallets in an inside pocket and out of sight from a potential pickpocket
• keep your PIN number confidential
• try to pay for items on a debit card, rather than carry large amounts of cash, if possible
• ensure all windows and doors are closed and locked before leaving your car
Businesses should:
• ensure high value stock is stored in a secure location – preferably in a locked area
• keep high value or desirable items close to staff when displayed on the shop floor
• log any suspicious activity
• be alert when taking deliveries, especially with high value stock
• when placing additional stock out for Christmas, make sure it doesn’t block the view for your CCTV cameras
• ensure all private areas are locked, and the public do not have access
 If you ever experience this issue or have information regarding an incident, please report it using our online reporting tools at www.hampshire.police.uk, or call the non-emergency number 101. Alternatively, you can stay 100 per cent anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org. Get Involved Please consider getting involved by registering for these messages, this will enable you to contribute to the local priority survey. We may be unaware of issues that you would like us to focus on. Take a few minutes to securely and privately register and have your say using the button below, this will mean we can focus on things that matter to you. 
Please click here to complete the survey
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