POLICE officers are warning Test Valley residents to remain vigilant after several youths on mopeds attempted to steal a motorbike on Monday.

Hampshire police alerted residents to the crime after five youths on two mopeds were spotted riding around Romsey, with one of them attempting to steal a motorbike in Winchester Road at 6.30pm.

It has been revealed the youths were spotted in Highlands Close, North Baddesley, and in Hazledown Road, Rownhams, "looking into cars or gardens", according to Hampshire Constabularly. 

Now community leaders have slammed the group for flouting coronavirus lockdown rules, while calling for residents to report the young people in a bid to bring them to justice.

Read: Warning over youths on mopeds and trying to steal vehicles >>>

Romsey town centre manager, Mark Edgerley, said: "They are a pain and it frightens people particularly at this time during lockdown when residents do not want contact with others or have other people touching their property.

"I think we can say it is young people who are bored out of their minds, but that is no excuse at this sensitive time."

Cllr Celia Dowden, who represents North Baddesley on the borough council, said: "It is disturbing to think these young people are out and not aware of the lockdown rules about social distancing and this does not qualify as exercise either.

"This shows a lack of awareness by these young people and perhaps they need to be told they are putting themselves and others at risk.

"The big concern for me is these young people could be grouping together and completely ignoring social distancing by talking to each other on their mopeds and having a bit of fun."

"The fact that this has been reported on social media is good, because it helps everyone to be more vigilant," Ms Dowden added.

Cllr Dorothy Baverstock, who represents Romsey Cupernham on the borough council, told the Romsey Advertiser: "Some young people do not think social distancing applies to them, because they believe they are invincible, so I am really urging people to be observant and report it if they see these people around."

Cllr Phil Bundy, who represents Chilworth, Nursling and Rownhams on the borough council, stressed residents should "report any suspicious activity", adding: "They should not be out on mopeds anyway in accordance with the current rules."

A spokesperson from Hampshire police said: "We are aware this has been well publicised on social media but if you see or hear about anything related to these issues please report this to us via 101 or report this to us online using the Hampshire Constabulary website in non emergency matters, for example if you see them riding around and you suspect they are up to no good.

"Only call 999 in an emergency matter - if something is happening there and then and you feel in fear of yours/others safety or if there is a risk to yours/others property."

They added officers will be "actively patrolling the areas they have been seen in", while looking to "deal with those involved robustly and enforce prosecution".