Hampshire firefighters are swapping pumps for pedals this summer to help reduce arson in the Waterside area of the New Forest. The team from Hardley fire station are to commence joint patrols with the Police and Accredited Community Safety Officers (ACSO’s) on pushbikes in the areas of the forest that have suffered acts of arson.   Station Manager Mick Thompson said: “Deliberate fire setting is a criminal activity, tying up...

It’s business as usual for refuse and recycling collections over the Easter bank holidays and New Forest residents are encouraged to reduce, reuse and recycle as much as possible. Manufacturers have worked over the past few years to reduce the amount of packaging around Easter eggs and to make more from recycled materials. Look out for chocolate eggs with less packaging at the shops – and don’t forget to take your bag for life with...

Police are urging residents and drivers in the New Forest to be on the lookout for fuel thieves. Hampshire police want to hear from anybody who sees suspicious activity around vehicles following a spate of diesel thefts. Fuel was taken from vehicles parked in Hythe, Holbury and Marchwood earlier this month. Some vehicles were also left damaged. With fuel prices rising at the pumps, thieves may be more inclined to steal from fuel...

A 20-year-old a Southampton man was arrested this afternoon, Tuesday March 6, as part of the investigation into an armed robbery at a house in Testwood Lane, Totton. He was arrested by officers in Cutbush Lane, Southampton on suspicion of aggravated burglary and possession of a firearm and is currently being questioned by officers. As part of their investigation officers also executed warrants at two addresses in Kingsdown Way. One man has...

Young artists in the New Forest are being asked to help put bike thieves in the picture. A great new poster competition has been launched with the aim of putting the brakes on cycle theft. School children of all ages are invited to design an eye-catching poster with a punchy slogan which will be printed and used locally to raise awareness of bike crime and how to keep your bike secure. The cycle theft prevention poster competition has great...

A fall in later life can be debilitating – not only is the risk of fractures higher in an older person, but it can knock the person’s confidence and lead to social isolation and a loss of independence. But a steadying hand is on offer in the New Forest where special exercise classes are being held for vulnerable people. New Forest District Council, in partnership with GetFit121, NFDC health and leisure instructors and Southern Health...

A man has been charged as part of an investigation into an incident at a house in Testwood Lane, Totton, on Wednesday, February 22. Matthew Harfield, 34, of no fixed abode, has been charged with aggravated burglary and possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. He will appear at Southampton Magistrates Court this morning (February 27). A 48-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary has been...

Officers investigating a report of an armed robbery at a property in Testwood Lane, Totton, are appealing for information from local residents. Between 9am and 9.45am this morning (Wednesday, February 22), two men wearing fluorescent jackets knocked at the door of the house. A woman answered and the men forced their way inside. They searched the property and left with cash. Initial enquiries indicate that the woman may have seen one of the...

Help police cut out cable crime New Forest residents are urged to be vigilant in their neighbourhood in a bid to crack down on cable crime. Cable thieves are duping the public by marking their vans with BT logos and wearing high-visibility jackets while they carry out...

This Christmas, Mandy Ackrill has the best present she could wish for – she has sold her wheelchair and is able to chase her three-year-old grandson Connor around the house.