A CARPENTER who says he lost his livelihood to thieves has criticised Alresford's "awful" policing and taken to the streets to catch burglars himself.

Steve Cleverley claims police are failing residents after a rash of burglaries this month, including one which saw him lose £3,000 worth of equipment from his garage.

The self-employed workman, of Chestnut Walk, has taken matters into his own hands, patrolling the streets for thieves until 5am with no success.

"Enough is enough," he told Alresford Town Council this month. "If anyone wants to complain about me driving around streets - probably where all of you live, I've been there while you're sleeping [and] park up - whatever.

"I've just been robbed of my livelihood this week and I don't have anything left to work with, to actually go to work anymore. It's the second time in 12 months.

"We know policing is just awful around here. "

Speaking to the Chronicle, Mr Cleverley added: "When I got done over this time last year, I went and spent £2,500 and replaced everything, and then woke up on Tuesday morning and virtually the same tools that were taken last time and more were taken.

“Once is bad enough, twice is a killer. I’m debating whether to carry on. I said this to myself last year. What’s the point? They are not stupid; they know I will replace my tools.”

Hampshire Chronicle:

Now he is calling for more policing and CCTV on every road into the town.

Alresford has seen 10 thefts from outbuildings in the last two weeks, Cllr Margot Power told the council meeting.

She said three cameras in the town centre were considered in 2013 but would have cost £20,000 to install. Many shopkeepers opposed the plans, even if they themselves had been burgled, Cllr Barbara Jeffs added.

Councillors agreed to reopen discussion on CCTV and write to police asking for more frequent updates on crime.

Hampshire Constabulary did not respond to requests for comment.