THE city’s business improvement district (BID) has spoken up on recent cases of vandalism, urging businesses to make sure their security is sufficient.

Following the double break-in at Winchester WHSmith, where the entrance on Parchment Street was damaged and cigarettes were stolen, in addition to the ongoing spate of window smashing along the High Street, the executive director of Winchester BID has spoken up.

READ MORE: Winchester WHSmith: Two burglaries in a week

Director Paul Spencer said: “The BID team and our rangers are working with affected businesses and the police to help identify the offenders.

“These recent incidents have happened overnight, so it is important all businesses ensure their CCTV is operational if they have cameras, that their premises is left secure, alarms are set and anything suspicious is reported via 101 or for an emergency response 999.

"We also urge businesses and the public to remain vigilant and to report all incidents to the police.”

SEE ALSO: Windows smashed at Republic of Pizza & Desserts in Winchester

Winchester BID supports around 711 businesses in the city centre area. The BID Rangers scheme was introduced in 2018 to help reduce crime and provide additional security to businesses in the city centre.

So far, the rangers have helped to recover more than £50,920 worth of goods from offenders stealing from local businesses.

The business improvement organisation also forms part of the Winchester Business Crime Reduction Partnership which aims to prevent crime and disorder. The BID works closely with the police and Winchester Community Safety Partnership to improve the safety of the city’s streets.