DRILLS, lawn mowers and angle grinders were among the items stolen after a spate of burglaries in two Basingstoke villages.

Police reported that overnight between April 25 and April 26, thieves broke into a number of garages, sheds and out buildings in Silchester and Baughurst.

The thieves forced entry into the buildings in Baughurst Road, in Baughurst and Soke Road, in Silchester, stealing a number of lawn mowers, tools, wood chippers, drills and angle grinders.

Police have warned home owners who have outbuildings to make sure they are securely locked and fitted with an alarm system to deter any future break-ins.

Officers are appealing for any witnesses who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously in the area to call Basingstoke CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.