PETROL thieves have struck 15 times in the Alresford-Alton area since the start of December.

Fuel tanks have been drilled to enable the offender to drain the tank of petrol.

The incidents have been occurring in secluded areas near to the A32 between West Meon and Alton.

Between January 12-14 petrol was drained from a Saab 93 parked in Sun Lane, Alresford.

Between January 7-16 a Kia Rio was targeted in Beacon Hill Lane, Exton.