Police appeal after £40,000 digger is stolen in string of rural crimes
A digger worth £40,000 has been stolen near Kingsclere.
It is one of a number of incidents reported to police over the past few days across the area.
Officers from Basingstoke’s rural crime team said they had seen “an increase in acquisitive crime in rural areas” in the past week, with incidents reported in Tadley, Ashford Hill and Kingsclere.
They urged residents to be on the “lookout for any suspicious activity they witness in the hours of nightfall”.
The digger was stolen in the early hours of Tuesday (June 10) from Knowle Hill near Kingsclere, and officers said they are currently investigating it.
They added that they have also had reports of power tools and equipment stolen from outbuildings.
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 our rural communities that we have very much an active presence in this area; we will be working alongside our rural crime specialist colleagues in neighbouring police forces.”
If you have seen the vehicle in this photo, or have further information about it, you can contact police on 101, quoting 44250232134 or Operation Seltos.
Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their anonymous online form at crimestoppers-uk.org
Officers said to dial 999 if a crime or suspicious incident is in progress.