THIEVES have been operating in a Hampshire village, targeting a shed within the grounds of a church.

In the space of three days there have been two thefts of garden equipment in Cheriton near Alresford.

Between 6pm on December 3 and 8am on December 5, two sheds and an outbuilding were targeted and various equipment including strimmers and a hedge trimmer were stolen.

On December 4 between 8.30pm and 9.30pm offenders broke into to a shed in the grounds of St Michael’s Church and stole a strimmer and lawn mower.

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Anyone with information can call officers on 101 and quote the crime reference numbers 44160459482 or 44160459146.