POLICE are hunting thieves who went on a stealing spree across Hampshire, fleeing with thousands of pounds worth of expensive tools in just two nights.

Within just 24 hours, more than 20 work vans were targeted in a spate of thefts that spanned across the county, including Sholing, Bitterne and Hedge End.

Police believe that all the break-ins are linked and are urging van owners to be extra vigilant to protect their tools.

A total of 22 vans were targeted overnight on December 9 and 10, with each one happening in a different road, and more than £10,000 worth of power tools taken.

Eight of the thefts took place in Sholing, two in Weston, four in Bitterne, five in Shirley and three in Hedge End.

One white Mercedes-Benz van was broken into in Anson Drive, Sholing, with thieves stealing more than £3,000 worth of power tools, including a Makita hammer drill, a Dewalt nail gun and a Panasonic cordless drill.

Another £3,000 worth of tools, including five Dewalt drills, a Dewalt angle grinder and a petrol angle grinder, were taken from a white Citroen van parked in Station Road, Sholing.

In Alder Road, Shirley, £3,500 worth of tools were stolen from a Mercedes van, including a Stihl chainsaw and five drills.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101.