POLICE are calling on New Forest residents to stay vigilant after a spate of burglaries from outbuildings.

Since Saturday, October 1, 25 burglaries from sheds and garages have been reported across the district.

In total, property to the value of more than £21,000 has been stolen.

Among the items stolen was a CCTV recording system, taken from a stable block at an address in Milford Road, Lymington on Tuesday, October 25, garden equipment worth £2,530, stolen from the outbuilding of a property in Lyndhurst Road, Hinton on Tuesday, October 18, and a £1,000 Giant mountain bike, stolen from an unlocked garage in Seymour Road, Ringwood on Thursday, October 13.

Acting Chief Inspector Richard Parsons of Hampshire police said: “These burglaries are taking place at various times, both in the day, and at night.

"As always, we want to remind our residents to be vigilant and to report any suspicious behaviour to us immediately.

If you see suspicious people or vehicles in your area please note down the registration numbers and the descriptions of the people. Where possible photograph the vehicle or individuals present.

“We believe a number of these crimes have been committed by the same offenders and are proactively following up leads.”

Police are now urging residents to follow steps to keep their property safe by ensuring all doors and windows are shut and locked when not in use, checking that windows and door frames are in good repair, fitting adequate locks to outbuildings and considering fitting a monitored home intruder alarm.

Security lighting is also recommended, while vehicles should be left out of sight when not in use.

All property, including materials and tools, should be marked and photographed.

Details such as serial, chassis and model numbers should be recorded.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Hampshire Constabulary on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where information can be left anonymously.