Hart rural crime warning after recent burglaries
Police say quad bikes and gardening equipment are being targeted
Hampshire police have issued a warning after a series of recent burglaries of sheds and outbuildings in Hart.
Farm and gardening equipment, as well as quad bikes, All Terrain Vehicles and power tools, are among things being targeted.
Officers believe many of the thefts are connected to organised crime groups exporting stolen quad bikes abroad.
They are urging people not to confront any suspects - but to call them on 999 immediately if a crime is in progress.
Neighbourhood Inspector Jen Lovegrove said:
"We have seen a series of burglaries of outbuildings occurring overnight and in the early hours of the morning in rural districts. The suspects are targeting farm machinery, quad bikes and All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and anything of value such as power tools.
"This is not something that is unique to Hart District, it is also happening across county borders and right across the UK.
"We believe many of these thefts are connected to organised crime groups who are exporting stolen quad bikes abroad. This shows a level of planning by the criminals, so being aware and reporting suspicious vehicles and people is really important.
"I would like to assure residents and landowners that we take this type of crime extremely seriously. We are conducting patrols in rural areas but we would urge anyone to ensure as far as possible to secure and alarm their buildings and property mark their equipment. Consider installing CCTV, tracker devices, automatic security lights and intruder alarm systems.
"Rural crime is a priority for us and we will continue to relentlessly pursue suspects. The community are our eyes and ears and we encourage you to report all incidents as soon as you are able to by calling 101 if it’s not an emergency. If it’s happening there and then, always call 999.
"You can also report suspicious activity online (if it’s not an emergency) by visiting our website www.hampshire.police.uk or clicking on this link: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/ro/report/
Recent incidents include:
Dogmersfield:
At 5.30am on 11 November, a man was leaving for work when he was confronted by three suspects at a property in Church Lane.
He was struck with a metal pole but was not seriously injured.
The suspects made off in a small vehicle without having taken anything.
Fleet:
On 10 November at 11.05pm, a resident shouted at four men standing on his driveway in Elvetham Road.
One of the suspects threw a brick towards the window, causing some damage, before they made off in a vehicle.
South Warnborough:
Between 30 October 30 and 2 November, suspects gained entry to an industrial unit in Alton Road, and stole a number of tools and equipment including two concrete mixers, a Hayter Harrier 56 lawnmower, two Stihl Cutting saws, Stihl hedge cutters, Stihl back pack blower and Stihl chainsaw.
If you have any information about the above offences, call 101 and quote reference 44200436641.
You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
If you are offered goods in suspicious circumstances, always report it by calling 101.