A LITTLE boy has been left devastated after thieves stole his child-sized car.

Harry Travers’ family had saved up to buy the buggy vehicle ahead of his seventh birthday in December.

But thieves smashed their way into his grandparents’ garage in Durley making off with the bright blue mini race car, complete with two leather seats and a roll cage.

A neighbour said she heard her dogs barking in the night and the sound of people talking before hearing a vehicle drive off but thought it was just people returning home from a night out.

But it wasn’t until the next morning that Shirley, 69, and Geoff Travers, 71, retired owners of Travers Commercial Vehicles of Bishops Waltham discovered the £1,000 Shark petrol-powered buggy had gone from the garage.

They believe the dogs disturbed the thieves who had bashed through their garage doors and tore security lights from the walls.

Hampshire Police confirmed they were investigating the incident, thought to have happened between 4am and 4.45am on Thursday.

Now the heartbroken couple are urging anyone with any information to contact the police and help bring the youngster’s off-road car back.

Gran-of-one and mum-of-two Shirley said: “We got up and my husband noticed all the garage doors were open.

“You wouldn’t think people could take a child’s buggy.

“I would sooner have lost my lawn mower than his buggy. It’s just heart breaking and I can’t replace it.

“Harry loved to go round the field. We bought him a set of flags to go with it.

“I have lived here for 20 years and it’s the kindest neighbourhood friendly place you could get and we all look after each other.

“I think if it wasn’t for my neighbour’s dogs we would have lost a lot more.

“If it gets returned I would be thrilled.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Hampshire Police 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously quoting crime reference number 44160187207.