THIEVES targeting garages in West Wellow have made off with tools and pushbikes.

Officers said two village residents saw their garages broken into by the opportunist crooks over the weekend.

This is the second time this month police have received reports of thefts from outbuildings in the Romsey area.

Bikes and fishing equipment were taken during a spate of shed break ins in Bracken Road, Priestlands, Fairview Close and Yokesford Hill between 7pm on Monday, May 16 and 7.50am Tuesday, May 17.

Test Valley officers have once again urged residents to mark record details of their equipment.

A police spokesperson said: "We would like to take this opportunity to remind you of some measures you can take to protect your property:

  • Use of a good padlock on the door to your shed or garage with no exposed screws
  • Keep it locked at all times
  • Consider fitting a battery-operated shed alarm with a loud siren
  • Secure your bike to the ground or lockable stand within a locked shed or garage. Visit soldsecure.com/to search for ground anchors or other security products
  • Think about what a thief might see from any window of your shed or garage. Keep your valuable items covered from view
  • Where possible, keep sports tracking apps private to prevent criminals finding out where bikes and sporting equipment are being stored

"For more information, visit hampshire.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/protect-home-crime/secure-shed-garage/."