POLICE are being urged to step up patrols after concerns that people are “taking the law into their own hands” following a series of burglaries in Fareham

The news comes after Inspector Sarah Nicholson emailed Councillor Tom Davies following 13 burglaries at businesses across the town in two months.

She said: “Between December 3 and 24 we received nine reports of businesses being broken into.

“These reports relate to the town centre, Highlands, and Park Gate areas of Fareham. Items including cash tins and cash were taken.

“Between January 2 and 14 we received four further reports of businesses being broken into in the town centre and Highlands areas. Cash and cash tills were taken.”

Inspector Nicholson added she was “concerned about people taking things into their own hands based on what appears to us to be hearsay”.

Councillor Davies said: “I’ve

spoken to our local police force and urged them to step up patrols, and I hope they find the person or persons responsible for this.

“I understand the frustration people and shop owners must be feeling but I would urge people not to take the law into their own hands – let our capable police officers do it.”

Razor Sharp Barbers in Miller Drive was broken into in the early hours of January 7.

Two iPads, £2,000 and the charity pot was taken.

Dom Valente, who owns the shop with Matt Staker, said: “We are praying that we won’t be targeted again. I understand the police have bigger fish to fry but a police presence is always going to deter thieves.”

Inspector Nicholson added: “

We routinely communicate with partner agencies to update them on Neighbourhood Policing issues and it would not be appropriate to comment further on operational detail that is shared with our partners.”