BORDON Army has issued a stark warning to the public this week to keep off military training areas while troops are undertaking practice exercises.
The plea comes after two youngsters were caught on the Longmoor Training Camp on Thursday last week while soldiers were involved in operational training.
The Army unit had set up disarmed trip flares around its defensive position, but had them under observation.
However, soldiers had to stop training when two young people stepped on to the area and approached the flares.
Despite being warned to Òvacate the areaÓ the youngsters picked up a flare and attempted to run off the training camp with it.
However, soldiers managed to catch the youths and later handed them over to police.
Major Jim Willcoxson, a spokesperson for the Army, has warned people not to ÒtrespassÓ on to these areas while training is underway.
ÒIt will come of no surprise to members of the public that the military are undertaking some extensive training throughout the country,Ó said Mjr Willcoxson.
ÒThis is essential training to ensure our service men and women are properly prepared for whatever duties they are called on to carry out.
ÒThe public are warned that they should not enter any training area when military training is in progress and should never tamper, play or attempt to remove any military paraphernalia they may observe on the areas.Ó
He added: ÒPlease stay clear of areas that are occupied by exercising troops and instruct your children to overcome their curiosity and never touch anything they may find when playing on military land.Ó
This is the second time that the Army has warned the public to stay off military land when training exercises are ongoing.
In January last year two motorcyclists rode around the ArmyÕs firing range during a live firing exercise, before escaping from the scene.
The duo who entered the training camp last week escaped with a warning.