GARDEN machinery was amongst the items stolen after a spate of burglaries in Test Valley at the weekend, according to police.

Officers say that four overnight shed break-ins were reported in recent days.

Between 10pm on Sunday and 7am the following morning, someone broke into the shed of a residential property in Longstock.

"Garden petrol machinery" was stolen by the culprits, according to police.

Three further overnight shed breaks had earlier been reported in the Danes Road area of Awbridge between Friday and Sunday.

Police says it follows a similar spate of crime further south in the borough, in West Tytherley, last week.

Now they are urging residents to take time to check their premises and report any incidents by calling 101.

A statement from Hampshire Constabulary added: “If you witnessed anything suspicious or saw something when these crimes were committed that can assist police with their enquiries then please call Acting Sergeant Tristan Pugh on 07554 775483 quoting 44200060577 and we will follow up on any lines of enquiry.”

Officers are continuing enquiries into the increase in Burglaries we have seen across the Rural areas of Test Valley and have been working with Wiltshire and Dorset police to target and disrupt the groups that have been responsible.