Police are investigating a surge in rural burglaries across Basingstoke district, including the theft of a £40,000 digger and power tools from villages including Tadley, Kingsclere and Bramley.
Officers are urging residents in rural Basingstoke to remain vigilant for suspicious behaviour during evening and night hours following a spate of thefts targeting countryside communities.
The past week has witnessed a sharp rise in property crime affecting rural locations, with incidents recorded in Tadley, Monk Sherborne, Ashford Hill, Kingsclere and Bramley.
During the early morning of 10th June, thieves made off with construction equipment valued at roughly £40,000 from Knowle Hill, close to Kingsclere. Detectives are actively pursuing this case.
Additional reports have emerged concerning stolen power tools and machinery taken from storage buildings and outbuildings.
Police are encouraging anyone with relevant details to come forward and share information or concerns with officers, who will treat all communications confidentially.
As part of ongoing investigations, authorities have issued CCTV footage showing a vehicle they wish to trace. Anyone who has spotted this vehicle or possesses additional details is asked to contact police immediately.
Members of the public should dial 999 if witnessing crimes or suspicious activity in progress.
Acting Inspector Martyn Evans from Basingstoke Rural Neighbourhood Policing Team commented: “Recent days have brought increased criminal behaviour involving the theft of valuable items by perpetrators using four-wheel-drive vehicles.
“We’ve issued an image of a blue five-door Land Rover Freelander that we urgently need to locate. Anyone spotting this vehicle during late evening hours or very early morning should contact us immediately. Please note the distinctive tow bar attachment, which isn’t standard equipment for this model.
CCTV appeal launched following serious Ryde street attack
“We’ve also recovered an Audi estate believed connected to these crimes. Investigations regarding this vehicle and its involvement continue.
“I want to assure our rural residents that we maintain an active presence throughout these areas, collaborating closely with rural crime specialists and officers from neighbouring forces.”
Anyone with information regarding these incidents or the pictured vehicle should contact police on 101, referencing 44250232134 or Operation Seltos. Information can also be submitted online at: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their online form at crimestoppers-uk.org
