Closing in on grave vandals
Teams spend night at cemetery
THE net is drawing in on gravestone vandals who have caused misery in Gosport.
Armed police, 999 response, a drone and dog unit spent the night at Ann’s Hill Cemetery in Gosport.
They were there overnight into the early hours of this morning after two weeks of graffiti being daubed on graves.
It comes as CCTV has been installed by the borough council in a bid to catch those responsible.
This morning police said officers from the investigation team are on the trail of those who carried out the ‘mindless’ acts.
In a tweet, Gosport police said: ‘Officers from our response teams have been ensuring patrols are carried after sunset in and around Ann’s Hill Cemetery.
‘Our enquiries are also continuing with the support of our investigation teams to try and identify those responsible for these crimes.
‘Neighbourhood officers will be patrolling again today and into the evening.
‘We would like to thank the community for their support and assistance with our enquiries so far.’
Officers were earlier this week questioned as to why they advertised their presence.
In response, they said: ‘Policing is as much about prevention as it is detection.
‘If our presence in this area means that offenders stay away from this area and crime is reduced as a result, then this is a good thing.
‘We understand the community wants us to catch the people responsible for this crime, but please rest assured that we are working hard behind the scenes too.’
Police said the multiple units present on Saturday night were available for other calls if needed.