THIEVES stole tools after breaking into a vehicle parked on a private drive behind a metal field gate in Alresford.

The offenders forced entry to the vehicle on Spring Lane and took a Stihl and Husquvarna chainsaw and an Echo hedge trimmer valued in total at around £1,500.

The thieves struck between 5pm on Monday, January 28 and 8am the following day.

PC Glen Willis-Long, based at Winchester police station, said: “The victim is self-employed and needs the tools for his job. Therefore this theft has had a great impact on him and his livelihood.

“The incident took place in a very rural and quiet area and I do not believe the offenders have targeted this vehicle by chance.  They knew these tools were there and have specifically targeted it.”

Anyone with any information should contact PC Willis-Long on 101 or call Crimestoppers, the charity, anonymously on 0800 555 111.