CLAIMS made in a national newspaper that burglars are targeting the homes of servicemen in Tidworth while soldiers are away on firefighting duties have been shot down by the area's police commander.

The claim was made in Wednesday's Sun newspaper.

Section commander for Tidworth, Sgt Paul Oatway, said: "I am desperately disappointed that a national newspaper has printed such an article as this without the common decency of speaking to the local commander of the representing force.

"As the local police commander I can reassure all members of the public in Tidworth that this story has no substance or foundation whatsoever."

In fact, Tidworth has continued to have the force's highest crime clear-up rate again this year with the success rate for detecting burglaries particularly impressive.