THE increased number of building sites in the Hook area has been linked to a surge in crimes.

Following previous thefts and break ins at Greenfields Junior School’s construction site, a second site has now been targeted.

In Odiham, in the area of Poland Lane, a JCB digger was stolen overnight between July 4 and July 5.

The vehicle is described as a yellow JCB 8105 mini digger made in 2002, with police saying it appeared the digger was targeted as several other pieces of plant machinery were left at the scene.

They have asked the public to keep an eye out for this digger which may have been parked up or stored locally before being moved on.

They are also reminding people of the steps to take in keeping their property safe.

Hampshire Police say, if you have similar equipment to check your security arrangements and to ensure that it is stored out of sight.

If you have any information about the incident, call the police on 101 and quote crime reference number 44160249180.

Elsewhere, thieves broke into a property in Hartley Whitney in the early hours of last Tuesday morning, stealing a high-powered quad bike.

The thieves forced entry to the garage attached to the property in Hazeley Heath, before taking the Honda ATV Quad bike.

The bike is described as red all over but with some black trim. It also has a black container tray on the back.

It is believed to have been stolen sometime between midnight and 8.30am.

Police are appealing for witnesses who may have seen the vehicle to call 101, quoting crime reference number 44160249479, or to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.