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.
Most Popular
-
1
Woman, 44, whose large Dobermann dog mauled girl, 3, on Leigh Park street released back into neighbourhood by police
-
2
Unidentified woman’s body found in water as Hampshire police investigate ‘unexplained’ death
-
3
Plans for redevelopment of Knight and Lee in Southsea get the green light - and work will begin soon, vows developer That Group
-
4
Seven - including five teenagers - arrested after Lower Drayton Lane burglary in Portsmouth
-
5
Portsmouth businessman turns 'detective' to catch brazen men who took air conditioning units feels ‘unsafe’ after men return to warehouse
‘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.