Police in the Basingstoke Rural are asking residents to be on the lookout for any suspicious activity they witness in the hours of nightfall.

In the last week there has been an increase in acquisitive crime in rural areas with offending being reported in Tadley, Monk Sherborne, Ashford Hill, Kingsclere and Bramley.

In the early hours of 10 June, a digger with a value of approximately £40,000 was stolen from Knowle Hill near Kingsclere, and officers are currently investigating this. 

We have also had reports of power tools and equipment stolen from outbuildings.

We appeal to anyone with information to come forward and report to police any information or concerns - you can speak to an officer in confidence.

As part of enquiries, we are also releasing a CCTV image of a vehicle of interest. If you have seen this vehicle, or have further information about it, please contact police. 

Dial 999 if a crime or suspicious incident is in progress.

Acting Inspector Martyn Evans, of the Basingstoke Rural Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “The last week has seen an increase in criminal activity where a number of high value items have been stolen by offenders utilising four by four vehicles.

“I have released an image of a Land Rover Freelander, five door in blue, that I am keen that we locate. If you have seen this vehicle out late at night or in the very early hours of the morning I would like to hear from you. Please note its distinctive tow bar which is not standard with this vehicle.

“In addition to this we have recovered an Audi estate that we believe may be linked to some of the offending. Enquiries into that vehicle and its use are ongoing.

“I would like to reassure residents in or rural communities that we have very much an active presence in this area; we will be working alongside our rural crime specialists our colleagues in neighbouring police forces.”

Anyone with information about these incidents or the vehicle pictured, please contact police on 101, quoting 44250232134 or Operation Seltos. You can also submit information to us online here: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their anonymous online form at crimestoppers-uk.org