ANDOVER police have launched a campaign to combat a rise in burglaries in the run-up to Christmas.

But they are also asking householders to help by leaving their property secure.

The move comes after a weekend which saw four homes in west Hampshire hit by opportunist thieves who entered through unlocked doors.

Now Andover police havelaunched Operation Safer Christmas to help combat the upsurge in home burglaries.

More high visibility patrols are being supported by more use of CCTV technology and officers working under cover.

The patrols have already started and will run randomly across residential areas most at risk in Andover during the lead-up to Christmas.

For the full story see Friday's Andover Advertiser.