SHOP keepers are being warned to stay on their guard after a gang of shoplifters targeted the area three times.

Police believe the gang are targeting small convenience stores to steal alcohol and toiletries.

Officers have linked shoplifting incidents at the One Stop shop in Bordon last Friday, the Alldays Store in Liphook on Saturday and the Co-op shop in Headley Road, Liphook, on Sunday

In all three incidents similar items were taken.

Inspector Gerry Thorne from Whitehill police said: "A group of about three of four people will visit a store and a number of them will distract the check-out staff whilethe others fill up their bags.

"We think that we have had three incidents of this which are linked so we are asking shop staff to be more vigilant for those people.

"We do not think that they are local to the area."

Anyone who has any details about the shop lifting incidents is urged to contact officers at Whitehill Police Station on 0845 045 45 45.