POLICE have urged residents to be vigilant after a bike was stolen in a village near Andover.

Officers say that on Tuesday, February 18, a burglar or burglars entered a garage in the Upton area.

The culprits stole a mountain bike.

Now police are urging people to ensure valuables kept in sheds, garages and outhouses are secure, while issuing the following advice:

- Keep every door and window on your premises locked when you are not home

- Secure valuable items, e.g. bikes and power tools to an anchor point within the shed or garage.

- Mark all items with postcode and record serial numbers. e.g. UV pens or forensic marking kits. Register the details for free on www.immobilise.com

- Fit an alarm

- Consider external lighting

A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary added: "If you saw anything suspicious, please call 101 quoting 44200062668. Alternatively, you can report crime online via the Hampshire Constabulary website."