POLICE are stepping up patrols in the Wellow area after a spate of tool thefts.

During recent months criminals have got away with around £10,000 worth of of equipment from outbuildings – many of which were insecure.

However, in the latest incident an unoccupied bungalow in Lower Common Road used to store gardening equipment and builders tools was targeted and the burglars escaped with property worth around £5,000 after forcing a window to gain entry.

The haul included assorted garden tools bearing the Wilkinson Sword, Spear and Jackson brand names along with three precision-made Bisston hand saws.

Two Rebate brand hand planes, three Record brand planes, 50 plate headed screw drivers, 12 assorted chisels, 30 G-clamps and 20 sash clamps and three Stanley planes were also taken.

Detectives say the list of stolen property also includes 24 pointed trowels, 12 plastering trowels and six brickwork trowels along with a Grundig Malborough Vintage valve radio, which is valued at £80.

Romsey-based Sergeant Darren Standen appealed for the public to be alert and report any suspicious activity and for information about the bungalow burglary which happened last month.

“We’ve had a number on non-dwelling burglaries in the same area over the last couple of months but they have been quite sporadic. The vast majority of sheds, garages and other outbuildings broken into have had nothing stolen,” he said.

Anyone with information should contact PC Mark Leneve at Romsey Police Station on 101.