People told not to be alarmed by armed police officers on patrol
PEOPLE are being told not to be surprised if they see armed officers from Hampshire police on patrol.
A statement on the force’s Facebook page said shoppers who see armed police on patrol should not be alarmed.
It added there is no intelligence of any specific threat to Hampshire.
The statement said: ‘As more and more of you head out to the shops over the next couple of weeks to snap up those festive bargains, you may notice our armed officers out and about on patrol.
‘This is nothing new so please do not be alarmed, our armed officers are regularly out on patrol in busy areas as part of our ongoing operations to help protect the security of our communities.
‘Over the past few months the public have clearly valued the visible policing presence we are providing through our armed and unarmed patrol.’
Police are asking people to remain vigilant and continue to report any suspicious behaviour or activity to police on 0800 789 321.