POLICE are hunting two men on stolen motorbikes who are thought to be behind a spate of break-ins across Hampshire.

A total of 12 homes in Chandler's Ford and the New Forest have been targeted since September 6, with victims coming face to face with the intruders on at least two occasions.

On September 13 an 18-year-old woman was at her home in Ringwood Road, Ringwood, when she heard noises.

A man dressed in motorcycle gear and a crash helmet fled the house and escaped over a fence. A red motorcycle, possibly a 125cc, was parked nearby.

On September 30 a woman living at Damerham, near Fordingbridge, arrived home and saw a blue motorbike on her driveway.

A man wearing a crash helmet emerged from the side of the house and rode off on the bike after being joined by his accomplice. The pair made off with a diamond ring and a watch.

Police investigating the break-ins have issued CCTV images of men they want to question.

A police spokesman said: "On a number of occasions the offenders have travelled to the targeted properties on a stolen motorbike before forcing entry and stealing jewellery and other valuables.

"They are believed to be using at least two different motorbikes - a sports motorbike and a trials/off road bike.

"The offenders are mainly targeting detached houses and using rear entrances to gain access, causing significant damage in the process."