Top Tips for August from Fareham West SNT's Sgt Aaron Freemantle - Lock up your business and redirect your children!

Top Tips for August from Fareham West Safer Neighbourhood Team's Sergeant Aaron Freemantle.

1) School holidays are well and truly here!! Encourage your children to take up activities with the Fareham Leisure Centre, go twitching at Titchfield Haven; there are various skate parks in the area (see the full list of their locations here) - why not give it a go? There are lots of activities which will get children out into the open air, rather than being stuck indoors - under your feet!!

The perception of groups of children hanging around the streets who are bored and have nothing to do can often lead to a sense of insecurity for communities. So redirect your child's energy and focus towards something practical and enjoyable.

2) Business communities - be aware!!! Burglars are using the warmer weather of the summer nights to their advantage and unfortunately, to your disadvantage. If you have to question your security then possibly there may be a need to revise it. You can always call us, and a safer neighbourhood officer will be more than happy to call at your premises and offer you advice and guidance on improving your security.

3) Don't drink and drive! The Hampshire Constabulary's Summer drink drive campaign has started - don't be fooled by thinking that you could have "just one more glass" - it could push you over the limit. Losing your licence, paying a fine, losing your job could in turn affect everything else - even your home. The safest option is don't drink any alcohol if you have to drive.

Hampshire Constabulary has commenced its anti-social behaviour campaign which will see an increase in police officers patrolling our communities. Remember, if you have a non-urgent anti-social related problem happening in your area, please call 101. This not only allows for information to be passed to the police, but also to the council who work in conjunction with the police to resolve issues as they occur.

That's it for August.