THIEVES have been targeting outbuildings containing tools after a spate of incidents near Andover over the weekend.

Police say there have been a number of reports of overnight burglaries between Saturday, March 14, and Sunday, March 15, in the Grateley area.

The culprits are said to have been targeting vans and sheds that may contain tools, chainsaws, hedge strimmers and drills.

Officers have since encouraged residents to report any further incidents, whilst also advising them to take precautions with their valuable items.

A statement on behalf of Hampshire Constabulary read: “Please remember to ensure that all your items are locked away and not visible. We suggest that all valuable items are registered on www.immobilise.com.

“Immobilise helps us identify owners of stolen property and get it back to you if it is recovered. Please also consider extra security measures that you could put in place. Simple battery powered shed alarms are affordable and effective. You may also want to re-think where you are storing your tools and how they are being stored.

“We encourage you to always report such incidents to us as this enables us to deploy resources to areas that are being targeted by thieves.

“If you have witnessed anything that you believe to be suspicious in your area please contact us on 101. If you believe a burglary is in progress call us on 999.”