THIEVES are on the look out for easy pickings in the run up to Christmas which two particular crimes have underlined. No less than four properties were broken into in Andover on Thursday and Fridays nights with three targeted in South Street alone.

Thieves used the same means to gain entry to the homes by forcing open rear windows.

In one instance the offenders stood on a wheelie bin to aid their entrance in through a kitchen window. "It is at this time of year that some people want everything for nothing," said Pc Ted Reynolds, of Andover police.

"Householders should consider paying a couple of pounds for some window locks which would help them protect their property."

Another area giving some concern is possible theft of coin-laden charity boxes from shops.

"People tend to give more generously at this time of year and we would remind shopkeepers to keep a special eye on any charity boxes they may have on their counters," added Pc Reynolds.

The warning comes after a chained charity box was stolen when an offender used a cutter to take the box from the shop in Andover High Street. An unsuccessful attempt was also made to steal a charity container from a fish and chip shop.