Introduction
Operation Armadillo is a community safety partnership initiative to cut down on acts of vandalism and break-ins to garages and sheds in the Basingstoke area. It's also designed to raise awareness of increased burglary to garages and sheds in your area.
Operation Armadillo was launched earlier this year in a bid to stop opportunistic thieves targeting garages. Strengthened bolts are fitted to garage doors and customers are also given an Operation Armadillo 'secured garage' sticker which should help to further deter break-ins.
Basingstoke and Deane District Commander, Chief Inspector Andy Bottomley, said: "We have had two very successful years where crime has decreased across the borough. Sadly, however, one area that has seen an increase is non-dwelling burglary, which includes business premises, schools, sheds and garages. I welcome this prevention initiative which will be supported by increased patrols. Already both neighbourhood officers and community safety patrol officers are tasked to patrol vulnerable areas and I hope that this will enable us to try and reduce this crime and extend the pilot across the borough. The community also plays a vital role in helping us tackle this sort of crime."
If you have any information, please contact us on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Campaign
Operation Armadillo is a campaign to crackdown on garage thieves, as well as a campaign to raise awareness of the need to increase security.
The scheme was piloted in the south of Basingstoke with Sovereign Housing Association. Sentinel Housing have recently joined the project for the north of Basingstoke.
Strengthened bolts are fitted to garage doors and customers are also given an Operation Armadillo ‘secured garage’ sticker which should help to further deter break-ins.
Sentinel are trialling the bolts on selected garages in Dancers Meadow and Sherborne St John.
Recent crime figures
Recent crime activity in your area can be found on the Crime Reports website
Prevention
High visibility patrols
Improved security
Community working together
Advice
Our aim is to advise residents to improve their security on doors and windows by recommending the following:
- Fit your garage with a strong lock
- Consider fitting an alarm
- Visit your garage regularly
- Report suspicious activity to the Police
Useful Contacts
For more information on
Hampshire Police and
Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service For more information
01256 844844
Remember to report all suspicious activity to the police.
